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bkeving_74's review against another edition
3.0
This was a pretty easy read as it does not cover his entire life or even the most interesting part when he was part of the revolution. So this work was kind of disappointing.
marcsmithnj's review against another edition
5.0
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a classic memoir written by one of America's most famous founding fathers. It covers Franklin's life from his youth in Boston through his many accomplishments in science, politics, and literature. Some of the main takeaways from this book include:
The importance of self-improvement: Throughout the book, Franklin emphasizes the value of hard work and self-discipline. He describes his efforts to improve himself through various means, including developing a daily schedule, practicing virtues, and learning new skills.
The power of networking: Franklin was a master networker and believed in the importance of building relationships. He details how he used his social connections to further his career and achieve his goals, including his success as a printer and politician.
The pursuit of knowledge: Franklin was a lifelong learner and was constantly seeking to expand his knowledge in various areas. He founded the American Philosophical Society and established the first public library in the United States, both of which were dedicated to the advancement of knowledge.
The importance of civic duty: Franklin was deeply committed to public service and believed in the importance of giving back to his community. He served in various political roles throughout his life and helped establish many institutions that benefit society, including fire departments, hospitals, and schools.
Overall, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin provides a fascinating look into the life of one of America's most influential figures and offers many valuable lessons on self-improvement, networking, education, and civic duty.
Benjamin Franklin was a prolific inventor who made significant contributions in various fields, including science, technology, and politics. Here are some of his most notable inventions:
Lightning rod: In 1752, Franklin invented the lightning rod, a device designed to protect buildings from lightning strikes.
Bifocal glasses: Franklin invented bifocal glasses, which allowed the wearer to see both far and near objects without having to switch between two pairs of glasses.
Franklin stove: Franklin designed the Franklin stove, a more efficient wood-burning stove that produced more heat and consumed less fuel than traditional fireplaces.
Glass armonica: Franklin invented the glass armonica, a musical instrument made of glass bowls that produce sound when rubbed with wet fingers.
Odometer: Franklin created an odometer for measuring the distance traveled by a carriage.
Flexible urinary catheter: Franklin designed a flexible urinary catheter made of metal or glass, which was a significant improvement over the rigid catheters previously used.
Swim fins: Franklin invented swim fins, which he called "swimming paddles," to increase his swimming speed.
Pennsylvania fireplace: Franklin designed the Pennsylvania fireplace, which was an improvement on the traditional fireplace that was more efficient in heating a room.
Printing press improvements: Franklin made several improvements to the printing press, including inventing a typecasting machine that allowed for faster typesetting.
Postage stamp: Franklin is credited with creating the first postage stamp in the United States, which was used to send mail in Philadelphia in 1765.
Street lamps: Franklin proposed and helped implement the use of street lamps in Philadelphia to improve public safety at night.
Daylight saving time: Although he did not invent the idea, Franklin is often credited with proposing the concept of daylight saving time, which would later be adopted in many countries around the world.
Armonica: In addition to the glass armonica, Franklin also invented a version of the musical instrument that used a series of spinning glass bowls to produce sound.
Long arm: Franklin designed a long arm device that was used to reach objects that were too high to be reached by a person standing on the ground.
Stove-top coffee roaster: Franklin invented a stove-top coffee roaster that was more efficient and easier to use than the traditional method of roasting coffee beans in a pan.
Swim Fins: Franklin invented swim fins, which he called "swimming paddles," to increase his swimming speed.
The American Philosophical Society: Franklin founded the American Philosophical Society in 1743, which was the first learned society in the United States, aimed at promoting scientific inquiry and collaboration.
The University of Pennsylvania: Franklin played a key role in founding the University of Pennsylvania, which was the first university in the United States that emphasized a practical, interdisciplinary education.
The Pennsylvania Gazette: Franklin bought the Pennsylvania Gazette, which he turned into one of the most popular and influential newspapers in the colonies, using it to promote his political and social ideals.
The Junto: Franklin founded a group called the Junto, which was a forum for discussion and debate on a wide range of topics, from science and literature to politics and business.
Benjamin Franklin is credited with creating several words and phrases that are still in use today. Here are a few examples:
Bifocals: Franklin was known for his experiments with lenses and created the bifocal glasses, which allowed him to see both near and far objects without having to switch between two pairs of glasses.
Battery: Franklin is credited with coining the term "battery" to describe a set of charged Leyden jars, which were early forms of electrical capacitors.
Tadpole: Franklin used the word "tadpole" in a letter he wrote in 1687 to describe the young of a frog or toad. The word was not commonly used at the time and is now a standard part of the English language.
Mind over matter: Franklin popularized the phrase "mind over matter" in his 1758 publication The Way to Wealth.
The importance of self-improvement: Throughout the book, Franklin emphasizes the value of hard work and self-discipline. He describes his efforts to improve himself through various means, including developing a daily schedule, practicing virtues, and learning new skills.
The power of networking: Franklin was a master networker and believed in the importance of building relationships. He details how he used his social connections to further his career and achieve his goals, including his success as a printer and politician.
The pursuit of knowledge: Franklin was a lifelong learner and was constantly seeking to expand his knowledge in various areas. He founded the American Philosophical Society and established the first public library in the United States, both of which were dedicated to the advancement of knowledge.
The importance of civic duty: Franklin was deeply committed to public service and believed in the importance of giving back to his community. He served in various political roles throughout his life and helped establish many institutions that benefit society, including fire departments, hospitals, and schools.
Overall, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin provides a fascinating look into the life of one of America's most influential figures and offers many valuable lessons on self-improvement, networking, education, and civic duty.
Benjamin Franklin was a prolific inventor who made significant contributions in various fields, including science, technology, and politics. Here are some of his most notable inventions:
Lightning rod: In 1752, Franklin invented the lightning rod, a device designed to protect buildings from lightning strikes.
Bifocal glasses: Franklin invented bifocal glasses, which allowed the wearer to see both far and near objects without having to switch between two pairs of glasses.
Franklin stove: Franklin designed the Franklin stove, a more efficient wood-burning stove that produced more heat and consumed less fuel than traditional fireplaces.
Glass armonica: Franklin invented the glass armonica, a musical instrument made of glass bowls that produce sound when rubbed with wet fingers.
Odometer: Franklin created an odometer for measuring the distance traveled by a carriage.
Flexible urinary catheter: Franklin designed a flexible urinary catheter made of metal or glass, which was a significant improvement over the rigid catheters previously used.
Swim fins: Franklin invented swim fins, which he called "swimming paddles," to increase his swimming speed.
Pennsylvania fireplace: Franklin designed the Pennsylvania fireplace, which was an improvement on the traditional fireplace that was more efficient in heating a room.
Printing press improvements: Franklin made several improvements to the printing press, including inventing a typecasting machine that allowed for faster typesetting.
Postage stamp: Franklin is credited with creating the first postage stamp in the United States, which was used to send mail in Philadelphia in 1765.
Street lamps: Franklin proposed and helped implement the use of street lamps in Philadelphia to improve public safety at night.
Daylight saving time: Although he did not invent the idea, Franklin is often credited with proposing the concept of daylight saving time, which would later be adopted in many countries around the world.
Armonica: In addition to the glass armonica, Franklin also invented a version of the musical instrument that used a series of spinning glass bowls to produce sound.
Long arm: Franklin designed a long arm device that was used to reach objects that were too high to be reached by a person standing on the ground.
Stove-top coffee roaster: Franklin invented a stove-top coffee roaster that was more efficient and easier to use than the traditional method of roasting coffee beans in a pan.
Swim Fins: Franklin invented swim fins, which he called "swimming paddles," to increase his swimming speed.
The American Philosophical Society: Franklin founded the American Philosophical Society in 1743, which was the first learned society in the United States, aimed at promoting scientific inquiry and collaboration.
The University of Pennsylvania: Franklin played a key role in founding the University of Pennsylvania, which was the first university in the United States that emphasized a practical, interdisciplinary education.
The Pennsylvania Gazette: Franklin bought the Pennsylvania Gazette, which he turned into one of the most popular and influential newspapers in the colonies, using it to promote his political and social ideals.
The Junto: Franklin founded a group called the Junto, which was a forum for discussion and debate on a wide range of topics, from science and literature to politics and business.
Benjamin Franklin is credited with creating several words and phrases that are still in use today. Here are a few examples:
Bifocals: Franklin was known for his experiments with lenses and created the bifocal glasses, which allowed him to see both near and far objects without having to switch between two pairs of glasses.
Battery: Franklin is credited with coining the term "battery" to describe a set of charged Leyden jars, which were early forms of electrical capacitors.
Tadpole: Franklin used the word "tadpole" in a letter he wrote in 1687 to describe the young of a frog or toad. The word was not commonly used at the time and is now a standard part of the English language.
Mind over matter: Franklin popularized the phrase "mind over matter" in his 1758 publication The Way to Wealth.
rosannelortz's review against another edition
4.0
As you may remember from one of my previous posts, the book club that I am a part of is currently reading through a chronological list of famous autobiographies. Benjamin Franklin’s life story was a work I had never read before, although I was familiar with many of the details of his early life from juvenile biographies I read in school. In his own words, Franklin describes how he became a scholar, a printer, an entrepreneur, and a statesman. It is an unfinished work; I was disappointed to find that it ended a short time before the American War for Independence begins. But although the inclusion of Franklin’s life in these later years would have added interest to the story, I still found his earlier life intriguing. The moral that Franklin wants his readers to take from this autobiography is that diligence and tact will take you far in this world.
With only a modicum of boasting, Franklin describes the unflagging diligence and zeal with which he threw himself into all of his pursuits, growing from a lowly lad into one of the most respected men in the colonies. His diligence to improve his mind was incredible. He would borrow books from a bookstore and stay up all night reading them so he could return them at morning’s light. His voracious appetite for book learning led him to develop the first library system in America. Although there were originally several other printers in Philadelphia, Franklin’s willingness to work hard brought him to the top of the profession. Besides actually working diligently, Franklin notes the importance of appearing to be diligent to those around you, since that appearance is the basis of a good reputation.
Along with diligence, Franklin commends tactfulness as an essential virtue for those who wish to succeed. Many times, when he had a plan or proposal that he wished to put forward, he would imply that he was only a mouthpiece speaking the ideas of others. He realized that by eschewing the credit for his brilliant ideas he would also diminish the jealousy of lesser men. In conversation, he tried never to espouse absolute statements. He would qualify arguments with phrases like, “it seems to me that perhaps….” By being undogmatic, he found it easier to win men to his own point of view.
Benjamin Franklin was a remarkable man with a remarkable ability to reason. Like many men of his era, however, the path of human reason led him away from an understanding of the God of the Scriptures. His autobiography clearly shows that he embraced the Deist philosophy so prevalent during the eighteenth century. His formula for success–diligence and tact–helped him to become one of the leading men of the American Revolution. But the key truth that he failed to understand is that these things only achieve success because they are blessed by a personal God who sustains all things by the Word of his power.
With only a modicum of boasting, Franklin describes the unflagging diligence and zeal with which he threw himself into all of his pursuits, growing from a lowly lad into one of the most respected men in the colonies. His diligence to improve his mind was incredible. He would borrow books from a bookstore and stay up all night reading them so he could return them at morning’s light. His voracious appetite for book learning led him to develop the first library system in America. Although there were originally several other printers in Philadelphia, Franklin’s willingness to work hard brought him to the top of the profession. Besides actually working diligently, Franklin notes the importance of appearing to be diligent to those around you, since that appearance is the basis of a good reputation.
Along with diligence, Franklin commends tactfulness as an essential virtue for those who wish to succeed. Many times, when he had a plan or proposal that he wished to put forward, he would imply that he was only a mouthpiece speaking the ideas of others. He realized that by eschewing the credit for his brilliant ideas he would also diminish the jealousy of lesser men. In conversation, he tried never to espouse absolute statements. He would qualify arguments with phrases like, “it seems to me that perhaps….” By being undogmatic, he found it easier to win men to his own point of view.
Benjamin Franklin was a remarkable man with a remarkable ability to reason. Like many men of his era, however, the path of human reason led him away from an understanding of the God of the Scriptures. His autobiography clearly shows that he embraced the Deist philosophy so prevalent during the eighteenth century. His formula for success–diligence and tact–helped him to become one of the leading men of the American Revolution. But the key truth that he failed to understand is that these things only achieve success because they are blessed by a personal God who sustains all things by the Word of his power.
maryehavens's review against another edition
1.0
Guess I don't care about Benjamin Franklin as much as I thought I would :)
tormentademar's review against another edition
1.0
“I should have no objection to a repetition of the same life from its beginning, only asking the advantages authors have in a second edition to correct some faults of the first.”
drmaernardi's review against another edition
4.0
Gran ben libro, suppongo nessun uomo possa precedere di troppo il mondo in cui vive (vedi schiavitù) ma può sicuramente fare la sua parte per renderlo migliore, o forse ancora meglio, per renderSI migliore e di conseguenza influenzare il resto.
Ho apprezzato moltissimo le prime due parti, su Franklin uomo e non su Franklin figura storica, a cui darei 5 stelle, la terza e la quarta sono molto politiche, e dato il mio poco interesse all'argomento e alla mia enorme ignoranza di storia americana mi sono trovato spesso in difficoltà, o annoiato, o entrambi.
Per chi lo volesse leggere in inglese: non fatevi spaventare troppo dal fatto che sia stato scritto nel 1700, l'inglese di Ben è chiaro e conciso, e se avete un Kindle il dizionario vi renderà il tutto scorrevole. In più il libro è gratuito in lingua inglese (Gutenberg, Kindle store), quindi una chance dategliela in lingua originale.
Ho apprezzato moltissimo le prime due parti, su Franklin uomo e non su Franklin figura storica, a cui darei 5 stelle, la terza e la quarta sono molto politiche, e dato il mio poco interesse all'argomento e alla mia enorme ignoranza di storia americana mi sono trovato spesso in difficoltà, o annoiato, o entrambi.
Per chi lo volesse leggere in inglese: non fatevi spaventare troppo dal fatto che sia stato scritto nel 1700, l'inglese di Ben è chiaro e conciso, e se avete un Kindle il dizionario vi renderà il tutto scorrevole. In più il libro è gratuito in lingua inglese (Gutenberg, Kindle store), quindi una chance dategliela in lingua originale.
rglarson13's review against another edition
3.0
TIL: Ben Franklin was a boring nerd.
Teetotaler, sometimes vegetarian, book club organizer.
Interesting bits of historical trivia, but the man did not an interesting lifestyle.
Teetotaler, sometimes vegetarian, book club organizer.
Interesting bits of historical trivia, but the man did not an interesting lifestyle.
drone232's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic
It would be a drop in the ocean to recommend anyone to read a book by one of the greatest of our founding fathers. Go and read it and know that it is good.
It would be a drop in the ocean to recommend anyone to read a book by one of the greatest of our founding fathers. Go and read it and know that it is good.
steeperthandeep's review against another edition
4.0
Though I took quite a while to read this having taken frequent breaks from it, I enjoyed it very much. I was interested to see what Mr. Franklin's views were on sectarian religion. Though he gives thanks to God on only infrequent occasions in his autobiography, I do not think those being rare exclamations give cause to doubt their sincerity. By his own word one can find reason to believe he felt religion as practiced in as much as possible in a non-sectarian spirit was a positive thing in the life of American society. If he was alive today I wonder what he would think about the religious right. I could only hazard a guess, but an informed one.