Cover of Autobiography of Ben Franklin

Autobiography of Ben Franklin

by Benjamin Franklin

⏱ 4 hours 🎓 High school+
3.9 (91,406 ratings)
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💡 Why It Matters Today

Ben Franklin's autobiography offers timeless lessons on self-improvement, civic responsibility, and innovation that resonate even in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world.

Modern Connections

Learning about Franklin's emphasis on continuous self-education parallels today's focus on lifelong learning and online courses.Franklin's democratic ideals and emphasis on civic virtue connect to ongoing debates about civic engagement, democracy, and social responsibility.

💭 Big Ideas

Self-Improvement and Virtue

Always try to improve yourself—be honest, hardworking, and kind. Franklin believed personal virtue was key to a good life.

The Power of Education and Curiosity

Keep learning and asking questions; Franklin was always curious and used reading and experimenting to learn.

Pragmatism and Innovation

Be practical, inventive, and ready to adapt—Franklin’s life was full of experiments, from experiments in electricity to political ideas.

📖 What You'll Learn

🎯 Reader Fit

✅ Good For

  • History enthusiasts
  • Self-improvement seekers
  • Readers interested in American founding figures
  • Students studying American history

⚠ Not Ideal For

  • Readers looking for fast-paced entertainment
  • Those uninterested in historical details
  • People seeking fiction

🤔 Controversies & Critiques

📚 Reading Context

Before Reading

  • Basic understanding of 18th-century American history.
  • Familiarity with the American colonies and revolutionary ideas.

After Reading

  • Knowledge of the founding principles of the United States.
  • Understanding the role of individual virtue and civic responsibility in shaping societies.

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Appeals to fans of: biographies of influential figures, stories of ingenuity and self-education

🏷 Classification Details

Author Benjamin Franklin
Published 1791
Language English
Subjects Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790, Statesmen -- United States -- Biography

📚 Curated Collections

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