The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin/ Commentary/ Summary.
Benjamin Franklin sure is an example, particularly an American one. Nevertheless, even if he is high held and placed upon a pedestal by the American culture, it is definitely for a reason. Those in quest for a high set of morals and virtues, one that is well developed and well performed, organized and optimized, will stumble upon the mention of this man. He might not be “the” example, but he is on the list of great ones. He was a man of great ambition, eloquence, and popularity, he knew how to treat people and what the people wanted, he was wise and intelligent, and he knew the core importance of a virtuous life. For which he wrote the 13 virtues, these virtues are written below this commentary.
As for the trajectory of his story, well, it begins by telling it to his son, even though his son is barely mentioned at all; in fact, I believe the only time he is indeed mention is at the beginning, when saying “Dear son”. Anyhow, Benjamin tells his tale from beginning to …middle. It is truly rewarding to read Benjamin’s words, this is a rare man, one whose ambitions grew as they were fulfilled, and whose character transcended the commonality of most people. He was an entrepreneur of the best kind, starting in England, and practically generating the Union of the colonies, being himself president of the head colony of Philadelphia. A great writer as well, worked in a printing press and made his own periodical, and how could he not be, one can see it in his words.
Then how does this entrepreneur, high aspiring man concern us, specifically here at the M.P.C? Well, this book definitely makes one ponder upon ones one morals, and one’s own self-discipline, because that is what this man was, disciplined. On books such as this I find the interpretations more interesting than the facts, at first sight perhaps one can get bored and disinterested by the manner in which it is presented, but somehow the words of Benjamin captivate the attention of the reader, and even though he gives a very monotonous sort of narration, it is one that you are compelled to follow (Even though it does not even have a wondrous end).
I do want to be clear on what I mean by “interpretations”, and it follows that what I enjoy the most is the various directions in which you can take Benjamin’s writings. You see, he already gives us 13 concepts to truly think about, but aside them, his whole story is one that intrigues and makes one wonder what truly happened and how.
Benjamin being himself one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, carries a great deal of recognition already, who wouldn’t be interested in the occurrences of his life, from his perspective and all others. In short, I guess what I have been trying to say is that mainly this book brings to me a fresher perception of moral habits, and a good one applicable specifically to work. Benjamin was a working person, he devoted his life to his work and his country, and it is this devotion and discipline that we should all have towards learning, that is what was cultivated within me by the reading of this book.
Benjamin Franklin sure is an example, particularly an American one. Nevertheless, even if he is high held and placed upon a pedestal by the American culture, it is definitely for a reason. Those in quest for a high set of morals and virtues, one that is well developed and well performed, organized and optimized, will stumble upon the mention of this man. He might not be “the” example, but he is on the list of great ones. He was a man of great ambition, eloquence, and popularity, he knew how to treat people and what the people wanted, he was wise and intelligent, and he knew the core importance of a virtuous life. For which he wrote the 13 virtues, these virtues are written below this commentary.
As for the trajectory of his story, well, it begins by telling it to his son, even though his son is barely mentioned at all; in fact, I believe the only time he is indeed mention is at the beginning, when saying “Dear son”. Anyhow, Benjamin tells his tale from beginning to …middle. It is truly rewarding to read Benjamin’s words, this is a rare man, one whose ambitions grew as they were fulfilled, and whose character transcended the commonality of most people. He was an entrepreneur of the best kind, starting in England, and practically generating the Union of the colonies, being himself president of the head colony of Philadelphia. A great writer as well, worked in a printing press and made his own periodical, and how could he not be, one can see it in his words.
Then how does this entrepreneur, high aspiring man concern us, specifically here at the M.P.C? Well, this book definitely makes one ponder upon ones one morals, and one’s own self-discipline, because that is what this man was, disciplined. On books such as this I find the interpretations more interesting than the facts, at first sight perhaps one can get bored and disinterested by the manner in which it is presented, but somehow the words of Benjamin captivate the attention of the reader, and even though he gives a very monotonous sort of narration, it is one that you are compelled to follow (Even though it does not even have a wondrous end).
I do want to be clear on what I mean by “interpretations”, and it follows that what I enjoy the most is the various directions in which you can take Benjamin’s writings. You see, he already gives us 13 concepts to truly think about, but aside them, his whole story is one that intrigues and makes one wonder what truly happened and how.
Benjamin being himself one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, carries a great deal of recognition already, who wouldn’t be interested in the occurrences of his life, from his perspective and all others. In short, I guess what I have been trying to say is that mainly this book brings to me a fresher perception of moral habits, and a good one applicable specifically to work. Benjamin was a working person, he devoted his life to his work and his country, and it is this devotion and discipline that we should all have towards learning, that is what was cultivated within me by the reading of this book.
