My Notes on Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography

“I have ever had pleasure in obtaining any little anecdotes of my ancestors. You may remember the inquiries I made among the remains of my relations when you were with me in England, and the journey I undertook for that purpose. Imagining it may be equally agreeable to you to know the circumstances of my life, many of which you are yet unacquainted with, and expecting the enjoyment of a week's uninterrupted leisure in my present country retirement, I sit down to write them for you. To which I have besides some other inducements. Having emerged from the poverty and obscurity in which I was born and bred, to a state of affluence and some degree of reputation in the world, and having gone so far through 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, and therefore fit to be imitated” — Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography was one of the humorous Biographies i've ever read. Originally written for his grandson, Benjamin Franklin recounts his life and upbringing in an engaging, humorous way, filled with life principles and lessons. He also gives a glimpse into Life in America in the 1700s. Sadly, he didn't complete the book.

However, with the little part he did write, it is nothing short of fascinating. He stands among my top heroes and models for life and accomplishments. One could even argue he was the first living proof of the American Dream. How did a poor boy with no academic background become one of the Founding Fathers of the great Nation of America - a profound Scientist accredited by the Royal Society in London, an incredible Diplomat, a wealthy Business man, a prolific writer amongst many other things?

Here are my notes from reading this book—key values and traits that shaped into the man he became.

• Seeking Virtue: His 13 lists of virtues and daily self-examination were nothing short of impressive, constantly trying to work on his weaknesses and striving to walk the path he believed right.
• Personal Development: Though he never attended a school, he was a devoted and committed reader. As a child, he saved his small stipends to buy books to read. He honed his writing and communication skills, followed his curiosity about Electricity, and even took the initiative to learn different languages - such as French, Spanish, Italian and Greek.
• Service: Always contributing to and solving problems for the people and the town at large—whether as an employee, councillor, or adviser. He made numerous efforts to improve the city, from strengthening it's defensive, introducing better and innovated street lights to paved roads, founding of the University of Philadephia, improving healthcare and much more.
• Purposeful Branding: Intentionality with societal perception— cultivating the image industrious, diplomatic, curious and empathetic man.
• Getting his ideas out there: Franklin published many of his ideas — from Philosophy to Electricity, Governance, Education — out there which expanded his "luck surface". This earned him reputation with both influential people and ordinary people, opened doors — election into the Royal Society — and made him wealthy through ventures like poor Richard's Almanac, among countless other benefits.
• Diligence: "Franklin's work ethic is unmatched; i see him working late when i leave the club, and he's back at it before anyone else is awake" - a direct quote from the book
• Frugality: "Only spend money, if it benefits others or yourself, in other words, don't waste money on yourself " - he saved diligently and wasn't extravagant, living a simple life with his family well within his means. It's interesting to note that many wealthy men in history — John Rockefeller, Steve Jobs, Warren Buffets and Sam Walton - were similarly shrewd and frugal.
• Friends: Junto—a community of committed learners—provided a highly positive and nurturing environment for Franklin and also served as a valuable network.Many members of this community would later become captains of industry or occupy government positions. it helped him shape and refine his ideas, embodying the "Iron sharpens Iron" kind of environment.
• Community Mindedness: He found a unique way of involving people without worrying about who received credits. By presenting projects and ideas as community initiatives rather than his personal ideas, he made people feel they were joining a common cause—a powerful incentive— rather than simply advancing Franklin's own ideas.