Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography

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It was the year 1706 in Boston, MA when Benjamin Franklin entered the world. Birthed after fourteen other siblings, Franklin's family structure is only one deciding factor in the way that this legendary tale pans out. A hero of American Revolution, this novel depicts 18th century realism accurately while logging Franklin's personal conception on human nature and social community. Many look at Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography as your typical rags to riches tale yet, the truth and falsehood throughout the pages is unknown, raising many questions and concerns. As this book was written in segments over a stretched period of time, we must analyze this account of his life, the struggles and successes which took place, and the outcome of such record in order to appreciate the literary and historical value of America's Renaissance man, Benjamin Franklin.

Enhancing one's life was inherently important to Benjamin Franklin as he began to notice what did and did not work for him at the young age of ten. Franklin sought out the next best thing not matter where that opportunity was seen. This theme of improving ones life is mentioned originally here,

“Having emerged from the poverty and obscurity in which I was born and bred, to a state of affluence and some degree of reputation in the world, and having gone so far through 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, and therefore fit to be imitated(2)”.

but is a continued motif throughout the book. He claims to write only so that his own life may be an example for his son of how one can live well and how...

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...actual truth in them have allowed me to appreciate my founding father Benjamin Franklin in a new light. I will forever remember his words and will attempt to live my life more by his suggestions.

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin was faced with many trials and tribulations yet illustrates critically important adaptive goals and strategies. This Autobiography proves a story of an individual, rooted in a specific time and place, wrestling with universal human problems. Though very much a man of his own time, Franklin convincingly presents himself as a man for all times, regardless of who these thoughts were specifically intended for. To gain self-betterment, is to enhance who you are which in turn will help society as a whole, allowing the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin to be an accurate account of how to achieve the American Dream by a self-depicting utilitarian.

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