The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin offers a rich, albeit incomplete, glimpse into Franklin's early life and the formative years that shaped his remarkable journey. Written over different periods, the narrative retains coherence through Franklin's consistent exploration of personal virtues and civic contributions. Through his writings, Franklin not only highlights his own life's milestones but also provides insights into the ethos of American life and the emerging concept of the American Dream.

Early Beginnings and Family Life

Franklin began his autobiographical project in 1771, initially addressing his adult son, William. He starts with a brief account of his ancestry and childhood, noting his birth in Boston as the fourteenth child in a family of seventeen. Removed from grammar school at ten, young Franklin was put to work in his father's candle and soap business, a trade he found uninspiring. Despite this, he thrived as a leader among his peers and cultivated a voracious appetite for reading.

Apprenticeship and Independence

At twelve, Franklin was apprenticed to his brother James, a printer. James started the New England Courant, where Franklin not only handled printing and delivery but also contributed anonymous satirical pieces. Unfortunately, James's abusive treatment pushed Franklin to seek independence. In 1723, without informing his family, Franklin left for New York in search of work. Finding none, he journeyed to Philadelphia, secured employment with printer Keimer, and lodged with the Reads, where he met and fell in love with Deborah Read.

Adventures Abroad and Return to Philadelphia

Governor William Keith persuaded Franklin to go to London for printing supplies. During his absence, Deborah married another man, who soon deserted her. Franklin returned to Philadelphia to work as a clerk for merchant Thomas Denham, later resuming work with Keimer. He eventually acquired Keimer's newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette, and embraced Deism. In 1730, Franklin married Deborah, and they raised two daughters and Franklin's son, William, whose paternity remains ambiguous.

Philosophy and Virtues

Seventeen years later, in the second part of his autobiography, Franklin delves into his spiritual and moral reflections. Raised Presbyterian, Franklin found its doctrines baffling and gravitated towards Deism, though it offered no practical guide to moral conduct. To achieve "moral perfection," he devised a list of thirteen virtues, such as temperance and humility. He diligently tracked his progress, struggling notably with "order" and later, humility, which he humorously noted could beget pride in one's modesty.

Middle Years and Achievements

Franklin's narrative continues with his middle years, marked by numerous accomplishments. He mastered French, Italian, and Spanish, served in Pennsylvania's assembly, and founded a philosophical society and an academy. Appointed as postmaster for the American colonies, Franklin invented the Franklin stove and conducted electrical experiments. He was also instrumental in fire safety initiatives and proposed a unified colonial defense strategy. Despite his disdain for organized religion, he forged a friendship with evangelist George Whitefield and collaborated with Quakers on defense issues.

Diplomacy and Limitations

In the final portion, written near the end of his life, Franklin recounts his role as Pennsylvania's representative in England, where he encountered American-English differences over taxation. His autobiography stops short of his involvement in the Stamp Act controversy and his contributions to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, leaving significant events unchronicled. The fragmented composition of the autobiography, written over decades, sometimes without access to previous writings, affects its unity. Despite these challenges, the work mirrors Franklin's steadfast character.

The Broader Impact and Legacy

Franklin's life and writings reflect the Puritan sense of duty and personal narrative traditions of New England. He favored frugality and industry, aligning with the capitalist ethos that social philosopher Max Weber...