Benjamin Franklin Autobiography: 7 Reasons He Wrote His Story

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.

In fact, the autobiography of Ben Franklin is widely praised for both its contribution to literature and its historical value. Companies have been formed based on his teachings: FranklinCovey comes immediately to mind (remember the Franklin planner?).

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.

We can see Benjamin Franklin's humility shine through in a letter that he wrote to his son. Franklin provided this letter at the beginning of his autobiography to outline his reasons for writing his story.

Here are his reasons:

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 succeeded in his life. He wants others to know his rags-to-riches story.

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."

We all want to be remembered. Benjamin Franklin chose to make his autobiography more enduring by writing it down.

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. Finally, "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."

We all have something to which was can ascribe our success. For Benjamin Franklin, it was God. As you write, don't forget to thank the God of your success.

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

Article Source: http://mylilpeanut.com

See our discussion on Starting an Autobiography . Robert Brady's Autobiography Workshop is a motivating tool for writing an autobiography .
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