The Autobiography of Ben Franklin: An Autobiography Template
Much has been written about the Benjamin Franklin autobiography. With good reason, it stands as a stellar example of autobiography writing.
In fact, the autobiography of Ben Franklin is widely praised for both its contribution to literature and its historical value. Companies have been formed based on his teachings: FranklinCovey comes immediately to mind (remember the Franklin planner?).
Despite his greatness, even during his time, Benjamin Franklin was humble. His straightforward, easy manner makes his autobiography very readable to people of all stripes.
Luckily for us, he left an outline of why he wrote his life story. He doesn't tell his story to show how marvelous he is. Instead, his reasons for writing show his humility.
Here are his reasons:
1. He's always derived "Pleasure in obtaining any little Anecdote or my Ancestors."
Franklin recalls his own pleasure in gathering anecdotal stories about those in his genealogical line.
2. He "imagin[es] it may be equally agreable [sic] to you to know the Circumstances of my Life."
Benjamin Franklin hopes that others will find gratification in his words, as he has found it in others.
3. "Having emerg'd from the Poverty and Obscurity in which I was born & bred, to a State of Affluence & some Degree of Reputation in the World, and having gone so far thro' 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, & therefore fit to be imitated."
Franklin rose in success. He wishes to share how he overcame his circumstances.
4. "[T]he next Thing most like living one's Life over again, seems to be a Recollection of that Life;"
I'm not sure that given the chance to live life over again many people would choose that option. Benjamin Franklin would, however. But since living one's life over again really is not an option, Franklin says that recalling his life is the next best thing.
5. He desires "to make that Recollection as durable as possible, the putting it down in Writing."
We all want to be remembered. Benjamin Franklin chose to make his autobiography more enduring by writing it down.
6. "I shall indulge the Inclination so natural in old Men, to be talking of themselves and their own past Actions, and I shall indulge it... perhaps I shall a good deal gratify my own Vanity."
Benjamin Franklin wants to talk about himself. It's been said that people like talking about themselves: their accomplishments, their successes, their struggles, and their failures. Benjamin Franklin was no different.
7. Lastly, "I speak of thanking God, I desire with all Humility to acknowledge, that I owe the mention'd Happiness of my past Life to his kind Providence, which led me to the Means I us'd & gave them Success."
Almost without exception when one reflects on life, that person witnesses the unseen hand in action in their lives. As you write your story, remember to acknowledge God in your life.
Use Benjamin Franklin's autobiography as a template for your own writing. Find your reasons for writing. It will make the whole process a lot easier.
See our discussion on Starting an Autobiography . Robert Brady's Autobiography Workshop is a fantastic resource for writing an autobiography .
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