It makes many of the 'must read' lists that I had to read it. Written in a quaint manner, the book tells a fascinating tale in a humorous yet insightful way that gives a peek into his mind and persona. A life lived between 1706 and 1790, he was a writer, printer, philosopher, scientist, inventor, diplomat, politician and many other things and mostly, among the Founding Fathers of America.
Ben Franklin's family was from Boston and he was one with some eighteen children or so, of which he was in the end of the line. His father had two wives and the many children were split between them. Ben grew up with a curious mind that was always looking at self-improvement which was reflected in his ways to improve himself by following good practices and habits and by keeping good company that discussed eclectic topics like in his Junto club which is an idea worth emulating for young students. With his curious mind his was also blessed with a capacity for hard work and a constant search for betterment.
One of the things he did well was to read books by the dozen and discuss the ideas with other like minded people. He picked up a lot of stuff that he practiced, the Socratic method of questioning gently instead of refuting an argument was one, and found that it helped him a lot. A quote like 'men should be taught as if you taught them not; And things unknown propos'd as things forgot' show the extent of temperance he developed in his youth by reading the works of great minds. He would keep company of people who would read a lot and would have specific discussions on topics he wanted to learn more about. By doing this, he not only developed a pleasing and persuasive manner, improved his communication and his knowledge of various subjects that the normal person had no idea about.
He had a plan for moral perfection and decided that the following virtues must be practiced - Temperance, (eat not to dullness, drink not to elevation),
Silence (speak not but what may benefit others, avoid trifling conversation),
Order (let all things have their place, let each part of your business have its time),
Resolution (resolve to perform what you ought, perform without fail what you resolve),
Frugality (make no expense but to do good to others or yourself, waste nothing),
industry (lose no time, be always employed in something useful, cut off all unnecessary actions), sincerity (use no hurtful deceit, think innocently and justly, and if you speak, speak accordingly)
Justice (wrong no one by doing injuries, or committing the benefits that are your duty)
Moderation (avoid extremes, forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve)
Cleanliness (tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation)
Tranquility (be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common on unavoidable)
Chastity
Humility (Imitate Jesus or Socrates)
Imagine, how efficient his life would have been for following the above.
Ben took up apprenticeship with his brother as a printer when he was barely twelve and did well in that profession, going to London to set up printing business, learning the trade, coming back to the US to set up his own newspaper which he ran very well. He turned into a writer and wrote classics like Poor Richard's Almanac which became a bible of good practices for poor people looking for good advice. He seemed to have a bearing that impressed people of high standing, to do with his energy, curiosity and knowledge surely, and he was constantly given high positions and offers.
He got into public affairs by being offered posts on committees and doing good work such as coming up with ways to put out fires. His business flourished and he writes that he experienced that - 'after getting the first hundred pounds, it is more easy to get the second'. Those being the times of war and the formation of the Union, fight against the Indians, Ben got involved in the same, as a soldier, as a military strategist, scientist, builder of forts etc. He would also involve himself in subjects such as sweeping and keeping the streets clean and how to do it effectively. He spent much time in the defense of the frontier as a consultant but never made any money off it.
Franklin, best known for his key on the kite experiment, of procuring lightning by a pointed rod, also invented the stove which he never patented because it was for public good. Other famous inventions are bifocals, hand paddles, glass harmonica, electrostatic machine etc. All in all, Ben Franklin's life was one of complete curiosity, learning and taking on new things with the attitude of a Closer. He is considered a polymath for his expertise in many subjects and as member f the Committee of Five that drafted and presented America's Declaration of Independence he was one of the Founding Fathers of the US and was titled 'The First American'.
Ben gives some ideas about the way to wealth -
Don't squander time he says.
Industry need not wish, and he that lives upon hope will die fasting.
There are no gains without pains.
He that has a trade has an estate and he that has a calling has an office of profit and honour.
Diligence is the mother of good luck.
One today is worth two tomorrows.
What maintains one vice would bring up two children.
Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.
The second vice is lying, the first is running a debt.
Tis hard for an empty bag to stand upright (on poverty).
His essay on 'don't give too much for your whistle' is about keeping perspective, keeping the balance. All in all it is a wonderful book, one that gives great inspiration, wisdom, ideas and insights, part self-improvement and part humorous look at one of the defining moments in the history of the world. Definitely worth reading and practicing.
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