Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,000+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin summary
Benjamin Franklin
Insights from an American Polymath
18 mins
Table of Contents
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Summary of 4 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 4
Breaking the barriers of birth
Benjamin Franklin was not born into greatness. His birthplace wasn’t a stately mansion or an esteemed hospital, but rather a modest Boston residence. Even within that domestic household, he wasn't a singular focus for his parents - he was the 15th of 17 children. Yet, Franklin's autobiography gives global readers, over two centuries later, an understanding of how one can break the barriers of birth to rise to greatness regardless of circumstances.
Without the advantage of a privileged background, Franklin was put to work as a candle and soap maker at his father's shop when he was just ten years old. This career path was far from what the young boy desired. However, instead of succumbing to the fate he was dealt, Franklin took the initiative to carve out his own destiny. He would dive into books, immersing himself in tales and expanding his knowledge during any snippet of spare time he got his hands on. This self-taught habit began to shape Franklin as a person layered with wisdom far beyond his years.
Soon, Franklin's father noticed his keen interest in reading and decided to apprentice him in his brother James's printing shop when he was only twelve. While the office was rife with hard labor and lowly wages, Benjamin found himself fascinated by the written words he was putting to print day after day. Instead of looking at his situation as a stone around his neck, he viewed it as a gateway to the intellectual world, a chance to be around various texts and indulge in his love for reading.
This interaction with books was a life-changer for Franklin. While many people around him were content with their predetermined paths of labor and routine, Franklin recognized that education and literacy were the keys to broader horizons. He could not afford many books, and yet, Franklin made learning a priority by devoting his small earnings to buying books and hungrily soaking up the ideas they presented.
Reading extensively rendered Franklin more knowledgeable than those around him who had enjoyed more formal education. He began to comprehend the power that knowledge held – it was his lifeline to overcoming the limitations of his birth. Franklin’s love for the written word didn’t cease at mere reading. To refine his writing skills, he would adopt different techniques like reshuffling random stanzas in varied poems and trying to recreate them, comparing his results with the original to note areas of improvement.
This educational journey wasn't smooth. In tracing his route to self-improvement, Franklin encountered setbacks, some where he was mocked for his middle-class background, but he persisted. He didn’t allow societal norms or lack of resources to deter his quest for knowledge.
This is the phase of his life where he began to understand the significance of personal values. As he nurtured the potential within him, he realized that knowledge and learning alone wouldn't suffice. What he also needed were defined principles to guide his actions. This shaped the way forward for him, leading to the next chapter of his life where he carefully crafted his unique set of virtues.
Want to see all full key ideas from Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin?
Key ideas in Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin about?
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1793) provides an intimate look at Franklin's successes and failures, revealing his views on practical wisdom and self-improvement. It showcases his journey from a young apprentice to a renowned figure in history, offering valuable life lessons along the way.
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Review
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1791) is a timeless classic that provides valuable insights into the life and mind of one of America's founding fathers. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Featuring wisdom and lessons from one of history's great thinkers, it offers a unique glimpse into personal development and success.
- Through Franklin's anecdotes and experiences, readers can learn about resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence in various aspects of life.
- Its humility and practical advice continue to resonate with readers, ensuring that the book remains engaging and relevant over time.
Who should read Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin?
- History enthusiasts
- Self-improvement seekers
- Fans of personal narratives
Categories with Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Book summaries like Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
31 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin FAQs
What is the main message of Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin?
The main message of Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is self-improvement through industry and virtue.
How long does it take to read Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin?
It typically takes a few hours to read Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Blinkist summary takes about 15 minutes.
Is Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin a good book? Is it worth reading?
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a worthwhile read due to its insights into personal development and success.
Who is the author of Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin?
The author of Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is Benjamin Franklin.
What to read after Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin?
If you're wondering what to read next after Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction by Walter Benjamin
- The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Doing Good Better by William MacAskill
- How to Make a Few Billion Dollars by Brad Jacobs
- Common Sense by Thomas Paine
- The Storyteller by Dave Grohl
- All In by Mike Michalowicz
- Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
- Sula by Toni Morrison