Kindle Review : The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

I picked up this book on the Free Books section of the Kindle Store. Why? I figured he was an important and accomplished man since his face is imprinted on the biggest bill of the US prints.

I wish I had the discipline and desire to write about this man in a clear, coherent, satisfying essay but I lack such things. so I will write about the following aspects of this man, Benjamin Franklin - virtue/religion, intellect, industriousness(diversity of profession),

before i proceed, it'd be important to comment that franklin's deliberateness in everything he did played a crucial role in the development of his character.

virtue/religion

Franklin placed a great emphasis on virtue - perhaps more so than those who practice a certain kind of faith. He had a set of thirteen virtues that he painstakingly tried to develop in himself. Some of the few I remember are - frugality, sincerity, humility. etc. (it's a pity i can only remember 3 out of 13! a testament to my .."intellect") Franklin was very deliberate in how he developed these virtues - he developed a system where he would focus on one virtue every week, and measure himself on how he had upheld that particular virtue. he believed he would get better each week where by the end of several cycles of this, those virtues would become a second nature to him.

i very much admire Franklin's persistent adherence to the development of the virtues. it's something we all should pick up for ourselves - particularly, those of faith. it would indeed be a shame when a man who does not cling to any certain faith should prove himself more virtuous than one who believes in the One who himself embodies Virtue!

Franklin was a self-proclaimed Deist. He recognized the existence of a higher power and did everything in his own might to perhaps please "this higher power" - this, possibly testified by Franklin's own obsession with virtue. He rejected any kind of dogma, but looked for the positive aspects of each religion and abstracted, and then accepted, the parts that somehow benefited, brought unity and dispelled division in the human race.

Deism has one crucial similarity to Relativism : it is willing to accept the "lesser" truths of the Deity such as - virtuousness, honor, love, respect - but is unwilling to accept the "greater" truth of the identity of this Deity. In particular, I know of one religion in which the primary character declares himself and proves himself as Deity through his teachines and his resurrection.

Intellect

i remember reading that books were hard to come by back in those days. I can only imagine - as the emigrants were settling down in the Newfoundland - where survival, not intellectual stimulant, was at stake. Franklin had very few books at disposal but tried his best to come across as many books as possible, that he might read and learn from it. I experienced a strong sense of irony as i read this from the kindle, in which i have access to hundreds of thousands of books at the click of a button.

I acquired this appreciation for books much too late in my life. Why are books so important? the following note i wrote during the read summarizes it well.

".. the love of reading is the love of learning. and learning the love of growing. growing in knowledge. wisdom. capacity. capability."

reading will ultimately help me achieve my utmost potential and equip me to accomplish what i want to do. THAT is why I read.

Once again, Franklin was very deliberate in enhancing his intellect. Not only by reading, but he disciplined himself to become a very proficient writer - where later in life, he would write important bills and influence the people's minds. This deliberate action he took in order to improve his communication skills is something I must do as well. From this I learn that most people who have had impact on history and their respective cultures tried very hard to refine their skills. They made deliberate actions to improve their skill, where in time, it proved a critical skill. This is not to say that certain individuals do not exhibit an unusual aptitude for a particular skill. Clearly, some are born with biological, environmental, and characteristic backgrounds that enable the "unsual aptitude." But even those born with such privileges must have had to make the deliberate effort to enhance their skill. I must remember this.

industriousness

Franklin's life is most fascinating due to the diverse occupations he has had. Printer, Congressman, Sailor, Soldier, Inventor, etc. Honestly, I cannot pinpoint any specific reason why he was able to experience such numerous professions. But it had to have helped that he was a successful businessman and had a stable income through his main occupation, which is, Printer. Franklin was not a shrewd or sly business man. He put in honest hard work and was able to setup a business that was profitable for him. In time, he was able to delegate his work so that he would share the profit but would at the same time free up some time for to do other work.

In each profession, Franklin had an industrious attitude that helped him be a forerunner in whatever profession he found himself in. He worked to fulfill his duties with integrity and sense, where in time, he would gain the trust and respect of his peers.

Industriousness, however, for what cause?

Today's work force seems to derive its industriousness from the desire to succeed at whichever level a worker is employed in. For the promotion, the bonus. Franklin's reason differed sharply from such reasons. From what I've read, it seems Franklin had no such burning passion for financial success or social recognition. He was more simplistic. He wanted, simply, to be financially independent. As he worked hard for this goal without compromising duties and performance, the financial success and social recognition came along with it.

I do not mean to say that the desire for promotion or financial success is in anyway ignoble. However, Franklin demonstrated himself a much more content man when his goals were less lofty but at the same time gained other things that he did not even aim for.

A principle I'm reminded of is the command in the Bible to work "as unto the Lord," no matter what circumstances. Benjamin Franklin very much employed Judeo-Christian values that helped him accomplish much in life.

Summary : I was amused to discover the simplicity of Benjamin Franklin. One might suppose because of his historical significance, Franklin was a very lofty, aloof character to whom it is difficult to relate with. But no. He was merely a man, working hard to find his place and fulfill his responsibilities as a citizen of the United States. A bit more educated. A bit more hard working. A bit more noble. But not too much more.