Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography is a detailed account of his life, focusing on his personal development, intellectual pursuits, and contributions to American society. He recounts his family history, early experiences in Boston and Philadelphia, and his rise to prominence as a printer, scientist, and statesman. He also shares his thoughts on various topics, including education, religion, morality, and public policy. Franklin’s autobiography provides a firsthand glimpse into the life of one of America’s founding fathers and his role in shaping the nation’s early history.
Challenges of Youth: Benjamin Franklin
Some of the most significant challenges Benjamin Franklin faced in his youth and how he overcame them are described in his autobiography.1
- Limited Educational Opportunities: Franklin’s father originally intended for him to become a clergyman and sent him to grammar school at the age of eight.2
- However, due to the financial burden of a college education and the limited career prospects for those who were educated, Franklin’s father changed his mind and withdrew him from the grammar school.
- Franklin was subsequently sent to a school for writing and arithmetic, but he excelled in writing and failed in arithmetic.
- At the age of ten, he was taken out of school entirely to assist his father in his business.
- Franklin’s formal education was limited, but he continued to educate himself through reading.
- Apprenticeship and Family Conflict: At the age of twelve, Franklin was apprenticed to his brother James, a printer.
- Their relationship was strained, with James treating Benjamin as both a brother and a servant.
- They disagreed on their respective roles and responsibilities, leading to disputes and physical altercations.
- Franklin was unhappy with the apprenticeship and desired to shorten it.
- The situation came to a head when James was imprisoned for publishing controversial material in his newspaper, The New England Courant.
- Benjamin took over the management of the paper during his brother’s confinement and continued to publish controversial content, leading to further conflicts with the authorities.
- Eventually, Benjamin asserted his freedom from the apprenticeship and left Boston for New York, seeking employment as a printer.
- Financial Instability and Employment: Franklin’s journey to Philadelphia in search of work was fraught with challenges.
- He arrived in New York with little money and no recommendations.
- Unable to find work in New York, he traveled to Philadelphia, where he was initially employed by Samuel Keimer, a printer whom Franklin considered to be incompetent.
- Despite his initial success in finding employment, Franklin faced ongoing financial struggles.
- He was forced to support his friend John Collins, who had developed a drinking problem and was unable to find work.
- Franklin’s financial instability led him to make some poor decisions, such as using money entrusted to him by a friend.
- However, he eventually found success as a printer, establishing his own business and gradually paying off his debts.
These experiences shaped Franklin’s character and his path to success. He developed a strong work ethic, a commitment to self-improvement, and a belief in the importance of industry and frugality. Through reading, observation, and experimentation, Franklin overcame the limitations of his early education and became a renowned scientist, inventor, writer, and statesman.
Milestones in the Life of Benjamin Franklin
The sources offer a glimpse into major milestones in Benjamin Franklin’s life, primarily focusing on his early life and career.
- Early Life and Family Background: Born in Boston in 1706, Franklin was the youngest son of Josiah Franklin, a tallow chandler and soap boiler. The sources highlight the Franklin family’s history, their Protestant roots, and their commitment to learning. Franklin’s uncle Benjamin, a pious and politically engaged individual, served as an early influence, instilling in him a love for reading and political awareness. Franklin was initially intended for a career in the church, but financial constraints led his father to apprentice him to his brother James, a printer.
- Apprenticeship and Literary Beginnings: Franklin’s apprenticeship under his brother James proved tumultuous, marked by personal and professional disagreements. This period saw Franklin develop his writing skills, contributing anonymously to his brother’s newspaper, The New England Courant. His early literary endeavors included composing ballads and satirical pieces.
- Journey to Philadelphia and Early Career: Driven by a desire for independence and opportunity, Franklin left Boston for Philadelphia in 1723. This journey marked a turning point in his life. He encountered various challenges, including financial instability and the unreliability of his companion, John Collins. However, his skills as a printer garnered him attention and support from influential figures like Governor Keith, who promised to help him establish his own printing business.
- Disillusionment and Return to Philadelphia: Franklin’s time in London, intended for procuring printing equipment with Governor Keith’s backing, turned into a period of disillusionment when the promised support failed to materialize. He worked as a journeyman printer and continued to hone his writing skills, but also faced financial difficulties and made personal choices that he later regretted. Ultimately, he returned to Philadelphia in 1726.
- Establishing a Printing Business and Personal Life: Upon his return to Philadelphia, Franklin resumed work as a printer, eventually partnering with Hugh Meredith to establish his own printing house. This marked the beginning of his success as a businessman. Franklin’s industry and skill earned him recognition and a growing clientele. Around this time, he also reconciled with Deborah Read and entered into a common-law marriage with her.
- Civic Engagement and the Junto: Franklin’s interests extended beyond his printing business. He formed the Junto, a discussion group focused on self-improvement and community betterment, reflecting his commitment to civic engagement and intellectual pursuits. This period also saw the birth of his son, Francis, in 1732.
- Public Service and Recognition: Franklin’s reputation as a printer, writer, and community leader led to his increasing involvement in public affairs. He was appointed postmaster of Philadelphia in 1737, a role that expanded his influence and allowed him to improve the postal system. He was also elected to the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1751, marking the start of his formal political career.
While the sources primarily focus on Franklin’s early life, they lay the foundation for understanding his later accomplishments as a scientist, inventor, diplomat, and statesman. His experiences as a young man, filled with challenges and triumphs, shaped his character and set the stage for his remarkable contributions to American history and beyond.