The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is among the most searched for autobiographies in the world. He provides an autobiography sample that many have tried to follow. Many have read Benjamin Franklin's autobiography for its historical contribution and for its literary merit. In fact, multitudes have tried to mimic his attempts to attain to certain values and attributes. Despite his greatness, even during his time, Benjamin Franklin was humble. His straightforward, easy manner makes his autobiography very readable to people of all stripes. 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." Because he has found satisfaction in the stories of others, Franklin hopes that others will find some happiness in reading his work. 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;" I'm not sure that given the chance to live life over again many people would choose that option. Benjamin Franklin would, however. But since living one's life over again really is not an option, Franklin says that recalling his life is the next best thing. 5. He expresses his wish "to make that Recollection as durable as possible, the putting it down in Writing." It's not good enough to keep the story in his mind. Or even to pass the story on in the oral tradition. He wants it to persist for generations. 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." Benjamin Franklin wants to talk about himself. It's been said that people like talking about themselves: their accomplishments, their successes, their struggles, and their failures. Benjamin Franklin was no different. 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." Almost without exception when one reflects on life, that person witnesses the unseen hand in action in their lives. As you write your story, remember to acknowledge God in your life. Use Benjamin Franklin's autobiography as a template for your own writing. Find your reasons for writing. It will make the whole process a lot easier.
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The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is among the most searched for autobiographies in the world. He provides an autobiography sample that many have tried to follow.
Visit the discussion on Starting an Autobiography . Robert Brady's Autobiography Workshop is a fantastic resource for writing an autobiography . Don't reprint this article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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