Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin (written 1771-1790, published 1791)

America's first self-help book. Franklin's account of his rise from a runaway printer's apprentice to the most famous American of his age — scientist, inventor, diplomat, and Founding Father.

Historical Significance:
Franklin began writing his autobiography in 1771 at age 65 and worked on it intermittently until shortly before his death in 1790. It was first published in French translation in 1791. The book pioneered the rags-to-riches narrative that became central to the American Dream. Franklin's "13 Virtues" self-improvement program — temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, humility — is the direct ancestor of every self-help system from Dale Carnegie to Stephen Covey. The book has been continuously in print for over 230 years and remains one of the most widely read American autobiographies.

This public domain classic was originally published in 1791. Free to read and share.