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1-Page Summary of The Autobiography Of Benjamin Franklin

Overall Summary

Benjamin Franklin explains in his autobiography that he is writing about himself because it might be useful to future generations and also because he hopes to satisfy his own vanity. He goes on to describe some of the people who were important in his life, including his grandfather Thomas Sr., father Josiah, and brother James. Then he begins telling how he was born in Boston in 1706, went briefly to school at age 8, and then became an apprentice printer with James.

Franklin was very interested in self-improvement from a young age. He read frequently and adopted a vegetarian diet, as well as submitting some anonymous writings to his brother’s newspaper. His brother published them, which boosted Franklin’s confidence and eventually gave him the courage to run away from his master.

Benjamin Franklin worked as a printer in Philadelphia after he left Boston. He was encouraged to go back home by his brother-in-law, Robert Holmes, and received his father’s blessing upon returning to Philadelphia. His friend John Collins convinced him to move with him to the West Indies but ended up driving Franklin into debt before leaving for the Caribbean. Governor Keith of Pennsylvania offered help setting up a new printing press but failed to keep his promise; instead, Franklin worked for printers in London while earning money for passage back home.

After a few years, he made friends with another passenger on the ship to England. Mr. Denham offered Franklin a job as his clerk and they moved to Philadelphia together but soon after that, Denham died. Franklin returned to work for Keimer again and when he realized that Keimer was planning on stealing his ideas, he formed an agreement with one of Keimer’s other workers, Meredith. The two opened their own printing house and eventually bought out Meredith’s share in the business. He then went on to be very successful in business and public service by founding many important institutions like the colonies’ first lending library, academy which became university of Pennsylvania, and firefighting company (company). Along the way he mentions some mistakes he made which were later corrected by living rightly

In the second half of his book, Franklin presents letters from friends encouraging him to finish this history. He also outlines a cycle that he used for self-improvement and how he spent each day.

Part Three continues the narrative of Part One. Franklin served in the military during the French and Indian War, as well as conducted scientific experiments on electricity. He also worked to improve Philadelphia by paving streets and lighting them. There is no clear transition between Parts Three and Four.

In part four, Franklin describes a diplomatic mission he undertook in London to argue on behalf of the Pennsylvania Assembly against proprietary governors. Although his efforts were not entirely successful, they did result in some progress.

Part 1

Benjamin Franklin starts writing his Autobiography in 1771 at the age of 65 while on vacation in England. He tells his son, William, that he has always enjoyed hearing stories about family members and suggests that William might enjoy hearing the story of his father’s life. The perfect time to write it is during a period of leisure.

Benjamin Franklin mentions that his life story is somewhat unusual, so he would like to share it with his son as entertainment. He has often thought about living his whole life over again, but only correcting a few mistakes he made the first time around.

Franklin says that the most like living one’s life over is to recollect it and write it down. He admits that he is writing this autobiography for his own vanity, but he also argues that vanity can be good for people. Then Franklin thanks God and says everything good in his life has been a result of God’s providence.