Benjamin Franklin was a man of many talents—scientist, diplomat, and self-help pioneer. Discover his mischievous upbringing and relentless pursuit of independence in Philadelphia. Dive into his quest for moral perfection through 13 virtues and groundbreaking inventions like the lightning rod. Learn about his pivotal role in the Declaration of Independence and his clever diplomacy in France during the Revolutionary War. Franklin's legacy as a self-made innovator continues to inspire personal growth and civic responsibility.
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Franklin's Writing Method
Try Franklin's writing technique: summarize good articles, rewrite them from memory, and then compare.
This helps improve writing skills by actively engaging with structure and style.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Secret Writer
Ben Franklin, at 15, secretly submitted essays to his brother's newspaper under the pseudonym Silence Do Good.
He created a humorous persona and wrote witty articles, showcasing his writing talent.
question_answer ANECDOTE
First Rest in Philadelphia
Arriving in Philadelphia, young Ben Franklin, tired and hungry, followed a crowd into a Quaker meeting house.
He fell asleep during the silent meeting, finding his first rest in the new city.
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The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a classic and influential work that covers various periods of Franklin's life. It is divided into four parts, written at different times, and includes his childhood, apprenticeship to his brother James, his early methodical plans for 'arriving at moral perfection,' his experiments with electricity, and his political career. The autobiography provides an intimate and honest account of Franklin's life, reflecting his determination, work ethic, and practical wisdom. Despite its tortuous publication history, it remains one of the most famous autobiographies ever written.
Benjamin Franklin
An American Life
Walter Isaacson
This biography by Walter Isaacson chronicles the life of Benjamin Franklin from his early days as a runaway apprentice to his later years as one of America's most influential Founding Fathers. The book explores Franklin's contributions to science, politics, and literature, including his work on the Declaration of Independence, his diplomatic efforts in France, and his inventions such as bifocal glasses and the lightning rod. Isaacson also delves into Franklin's personal life, including his relationships and his philosophical underpinnings that shaped American society. The narrative highlights how Franklin helped forge the American national identity and his enduring relevance in the twenty-first century.
Benjamin Franklin was one of the greatest scientists, writers, diplomats, and statesmen of all time. How does one man accomplish so much in one life?
Well, he was also the first self-help guru of all time. On this episode, we examine the life of Benjamin Franklin, and the tools he used to become the world's first self-made man.
How to Take Over the World 
