The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
by Benjamin Franklin · 1791
Buy on AmazonFew men could compare to Benjamin Franklin. Virtually self-taught, he excelled as an athlete, a man of letters, a printer, a scientist, a wit, an inventor, an editor, and a writer, and he was probably the most successful diplomat in American history. David Hume hailed him as the first great philosopher and great man of letters in the New World. Written initially to guide his son, Franklin's autobiography is a lively, spellbinding account of his unique and eventful life. Stylistically his best work, it has become a classic in world literature, one to inspire and delight readers everywhere.
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"Franklin's pursuit of self-improvement and practical wisdom aligns with Charlie Munger's emphasis on lifelong learning and rational decision-making. It's an expected read for someone exploring the virtues of thrift and industriousness."
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"I copied Franklin in my own book. He believed that we all could determinately sit down and come up with practical steps to make changes in our life. He identified 13 virtues that he wanted to imbue in himself and made a weekly chart to help him track his daily progress. I copied my resolutions chart from him. Franklin’s life teaches us that when you love what you do and your life reflects your values, you can accomplish an unimaginable amount. What I found in my own modest attempt to follow in his footsteps is that if what I do really reflects what I want to do and like to do, instead of what I think I ought to do or what seems like it would be the smart thing to do, than I am happier and more successful. When you see someone who seems to accomplish a superhuman amount, I think it’s because they’re doing what comes naturally."
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