Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography

Benjamin Franklin's autobiography is one of the most widely read autobiographies in the world. There is no question that his work is a lesson in writing an autobiography.

His work finds followers in historical, literary circles and business circles.

Yet, in with all of his accomplishments Benjamin Franklin never elevated himself as to not be approachable or humble. It is this unique ability to see eye-to-eye with many different types of people that makes his autobiography so appealing.

It seems that many celebrity autobiographies exist only to enlarge the egos of the celebrities writing them. Not so with Benjamin Franklin. He outlines his reasons for writing in a letter to his son, which he includes as an introduction to his autobiography.

He provided the following motives for jotting down his life's history:

1. He's always derived "Pleasure in obtaining any little Anecdote or my Ancestors."

Benjamin Franklin often traveled for the sole purpose of collecting these little stories.

2. He "imagin[es] it may be equally agreable [sic] to you to know the Circumstances of my Life."

Benjamin Franklin feels that others may derive some pleasure in reading his story.

3. "Having emerg'd from the Poverty and Obscurity in which I was born & bred, to a State of Affluence & some Degree of Reputation in the World, and having gone so far thro' Life with a considerable Share of Felicity, the conducing Means I made use of, which, with the Blessing of God, so well succeeded, my Posterity may like to know, as they may find some of them suitable to their own Situations, & therefore fit to be imitated."

He wishes to share the details of his life that led him to success.

4. "[T]he next Thing most like living one's Life over again, seems to be a Recollection of that Life;"

If given the chance, Benjamin Franklin states that he would live his life over again. But since that is impossible, for him, the best thing is remembering his life.

5. He expresses his wish "to make that Recollection as durable as possible, the putting it down in Writing."

It's not good enough to keep the story in his mind. Or even to pass the story on in the oral tradition. He wants it to persist for generations.

6. "I shall indulge the Inclination so natural in old Men, to be talking of themselves and their own past Actions, and I shall indulge it... perhaps I shall a good deal gratify my own Vanity."

Just like Benjamin Franklin, we all have a certain vanity about us. We like talking about ourselves. Don't be afraid to indulge yourself.

7. Lastly, "I speak of thanking God, I desire with all Humility to acknowledge, that I owe the mention'd Happiness of my past Life to his kind Providence, which led me to the Means I us'd & gave them Success."

Almost without exception when one reflects on life, that person witnesses the unseen hand in action in their lives. As you write your story, remember to acknowledge God in your life.

Benjamin Franklin's autobiography is an indispensable resource in figuring out how to write your autobiography.

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Visit the article on Starting an Autobiography . Robert Brady's Autobiography Workshop is a motivating tool for writing an autobiography .
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