Franklin Autobiography On Self-Improvement

Benjamin Franklin was able to accomplish many things that ordinary men often are not given the opportunity to do. Franklin's father, Josiah, had initially planned for him to serve the Church, however, Franklin's ambition and intelligence proved to Josiah that his son was destined for greater things. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was written between 1771 and 1790 and was intended to serve as a guide an inspiration to Franklin's son, William, who at the time was the Royal Governor of New Jersey. The autobiography is divided into four parts and not only chronicles Franklin's life, but also outlines the steps he took to become the successful man that he is now remembered as being. By detailing the different opportunities and ventures that he took throughout his life, Franklin provides a guide of self-improvement.

One of the key reasons that Franklin wrote his autobiography was to pass down "any little anecdotes of [his] ancestors…and other [personal] inducements" (Franklin, 1790, p. 3). Furthermore, Franklin writes,

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. (Franklin, 1790, p. 3-4).

In this introductory letter and dedication to his son William, Franklin makes it clear that he wants others to be able to follow in his footsteps and that there are no excuses for not being able to excel at anything that one dedicates time and resources to.

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Additionally, Franklin contends that one needs to make their talents known early on and also emphasizes the importance of having one's talents recognized. Franklin explains that the life he led was not the life that his father had intended for him. Franklin's journey of self-empowerment was prompted by his father's recognition of his natural intelligence and love of reading. Franklin (1790) writes, "I was put to the grammar-school at eight years of age, my father intending to devote me, as the tithe of his sons, to the service of the Church. My early readiness in learning to read…and the opinion of all his friends, that I should certainly make a good scholar, encouraged him in this purpose of his" (p. 8). Though his father's realization of Franklin's natural talents provided a catalyst for self-improvement, it is important to keep in mind that Franklin had to seize the opportunity he was given and make every moment count. Franklin learned at a young age that if one takes advantage of any given situation then he or she may be able to take what they learn from any specific experience and transform it into something that can be profitable for the self and/or financially profitable. Not only does Franklin have a varied worked life, but he also takes every opportunity possible to learn about new trades and develop his own working ideas, which would later be added to his repertoire as an inventor.
Another quality that Franklin contends is necessary for self-improvement is perseverance. There are many times during which Franklin's endeavors do not pay off as he would have accepted, however, he is…