The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin-Response Paper
Running head: PATH TO AUTO-IMPROVEMENT 1 The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: The Path to the Auto-improvement Luis A. Cruz Prof. Jerry Wallace HIST 1301 University of Texas at El Paso PATH TO AUTO-IMPROVEMENT 2 The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: The Path to the Auto-improvement The main reason that Franklin had to write his autobiography was to show how to live the life in a better way, at least in Franklin? experience. Franklin added two letters that eventually convinced him to finish his project of writing his autobiography. The letters (one from Mr. Able James and the other from Mr. Benjamin Vaughan) said to Franklin about the importance that had others would know about his life. Actually this book was not destined to talk about his role during the American Revolution. In fact, this book is about a way to get a life of excellence. During his autobiography Franklin remarked the facts that he thought more relevant for the auto-betterment.
The main factors that I like were: the importance of reading, the education that Franklin? s father gave him and the accepting mistakes. During four parts of the autobiography, Franklin talked about how the books make him better. Franklin? s love for the books during his childhood was very important for his success. It is easier to acquire knowledge from books if you like reading than if it is just done as a task. His abilities for reading grew enough to develop his writing. At the time Franklin had developed reading (to gain knowledge) and writing (to transmit it) he is converted in a respectable man.
In the most part of his life, due his knowledge, Franklin was very helpful in the development of the town where he lived. Also, with reading, Franklin reshaped his life style. For example, just consuming vegetables (sometimes ate fish), or just drinking water and nothing of beer although others laughed of it. Maybe getting a healthy life helped to the long life of Franklin. PATH TO AUTO-IMPROVEMENT 3 Next, Franklin? s father was too important in his development as person.
I think the most important fact was when Franklin stole some quarry stones for a wharf. But when his father took notice of this, he taught to Franklin that when something bad is done to accomplish anything, then this does not worth it. Also, Franklin during his childhood and youth notice the importance of knowledge. Franklin saw his father as a respected man due his impartiality and capacity to solve problems. This example became a model to live in society for Franklin. Finally, Franklin showed the significance of accepting mistakes.
Franklin said that he committed a very big mistake when he loses contact with Miss Read. At the time he returned from England, he married with Miss Read. Franklin believed that left her in the past was a big mistake because when they are married, they became happier. Also, accepting mistakes meant for Franklin the happiness. When he took notice that he could not be perfect, then just does not live more under pressure to reach perfection. This did not mean leave his life style. In conclusion, I think this is a very helpful book.
Actually I believed that it would be more engaged with American history, but eventually, the lessons were very interesting like the importance of reading, the thirteen virtues, or working for the community. On the other hand, I think that the book is very hard to read due the differences and useless of some words, it is necessary a dictionary. Also, the way to write an autobiography is not the better. I remembered had read The Autobiography of Malcolm X, and this had a better sequence. Although this book was not made as a history resource, it helps to know the way of life in this era.
