Benjamin Franklin's autobiography is one of the most widely read autobiographies in the world. There is no question that his work is a lesson in writing an autobiography.
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?).
Yet, in with all of his accomplishments Benjamin Franklin never elevated himself as to not be approachable or humble. It is this unique ability to see eye-to-eye with many different types of people that makes his autobiography so appealing.
It seems that many celebrity autobiographies exist only to enlarge the egos of the celebrities writing them. Not so with Benjamin Franklin. He outlines his reasons for writing in a letter to his son, which he includes as an introduction to his autobiography.
Here are his reasons:
1. He's always derived "Pleasure in obtaining any little Anecdote or my Ancestors."
Benjamin Franklin often traveled for the sole purpose of collecting these little stories.
2. He "imagin[es] it may be equally agreable [sic] to you to know the Circumstances of my Life."
Because he has found satisfaction in the stories of others, Franklin hopes that others will find some happiness in reading his work.
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."
It's not good enough to keep the story in his mind. Or even to pass the story on in the oral tradition. He wants it to persist for generations.
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."
We all have something to which was can ascribe our success. For Benjamin Franklin, it was God. As you write, don't forget to thank the God of your success.
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.
