The Completed Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin - Research Paper Example

The Completed Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin lived from 1706 until 1790 and is one of the best known figures in American history. Most people think of him in terms of his experiments with electricity and his contribution to the setting up of America as a free country, independent from the British government. He was also a very accomplished author and editor, and he wrote his own autobiography describing his youth and his travels in Europe. Unfortunately he died in the middle of writing it, and the story ends in 1757, with a trip that he was making to visit Stonehenge and London in the company of his young son. We will never know how he would have presented the last years of his life, and how he would have judged his tremendous achievements, particularly as one of the founding fathers of America unless a completed autobiography was written and found.   Franklin was a man of medium stature and had an great constitution of body. He was very strong. He was ingenious was able to draw prettily, had some music skills, and had a clear pleasing voice. He was also very mechanical and had the ability to be handy in the area of tradesmenship. His biggest ability was his keen sense of prudential mattes both in publish and private. He liked deep talk and he often enjoyed guests who could keep up with his deep and educational conversations. He was a wise man with a lot to offer. The book entitled The Completed Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin was compiled and edited by Mark Skousen, who got interested in the topic because he is descended from Benjamin Franklin and is a specialist in economics and history. Skousen used original letters and articles written by Franklin, and based the book on a plan that Franklin left behind with all his papers in Philadelphia. It is the next best thing to a final volume of Autobiography, because it still reflects the same humble and yet informative tone that Franklin adopted for the first parts. The chronological order is still maintained, as far as it was possible to do so from the paperwork that Franklin left behind after his death.  It is quite remarkable that a man from such an ordinary family as Benjamin Franklins, with ten children and pretty poor parents, could rise up through society to the point where he became ambassador for America in France and in England. This was done at a time when these two countries were just beginning to feel the effects of the revolution and political upheaval. The book starts with a journey to London and the honest emotions of a man far from home are clear from the beginning when he says: I have a thousand times wished my wife with me. (p. 6) There are some entertaining episodes too, for example, when Franklin writes an imaginary dialog with the gout personified as a scolding lady who accuses him of laziness and gluttony (p. 220). The great man apparently liked a drink, and lots of meat, and he preferred to sit and read or play chess than to take fresh air and exercise. He says that it is in our youth that we create within us our prejudices and our habits. He also says that we take our party as to profession, pursuit and matrimony. It is in our youth that the private and public character of a person is determined (p. 35).It is evidence to say that life aught to begin well from our youth as it is our youth that determine who we will become wrapped up in our own principals. It is likely that Benjamin Franklin, towards the end of his life, was conscious of the tremendous burden of responsibility which he carried, and of the fact that his decision to focus on the task of bringing America to a state of liberty was taken at the expense of continuing his memories. He writes it as a singular thing in the history of mankind that a great people have had the opportunity of forming a government for themselves (p. 369). The editor, Mark Skousen, is interested also in the fact that Franklins beloved son took the royalist side in the war, and then after the war was over, asked to be reconciled, but was rejected. He interprets Franklins hardness as a deep hatred for war, no matter what the cause, because it tears families apart and keeps men from their scientific and social projects. As a great entrepreneur and inventor, Franklin saw American diplomatic relations in terms of free trade: The system of America is to have commerce with all, and war with none. (p. 412). The Completed Autobiography is a great example of scholarly editing, providing helpful footnotes, illustrations, and a full index, bringing order and completeness to the historical record, and leaving us with a lasting impression of Benjamin Franklin as an older man.  Benjamin Franklin was one of the most prolific figures in American history whose life was most eventful and dramatic having been America’s advocate in London and America’s war time ambassador to France, in addition to representing Pennsylvania during the Continental Congress. During the most important phase of his career he contributed towards writing the American Constitution and planned to build a strong American empire to displace the British. He is not only considered to be a polymath such as Thomas Jefferson, but also a practical statesman like George Washington. He is considered to be the grandfather of America who was filled with both wit and wisdom.  Benjamin Franklin was also very famous because he founded the firs circulating library in 1731. It was at this very same time that his son William was born to him. A year later Ben’s son Francis was born. In 1736 he founds the Union Fire company in Philadelphia. This is also right around the time when Ben loses his son Francis. What is the most interesting of all is his dedication and contribution to the abolition of slavery in 1787. In 1783 Ben experiences something very exciting. As new inventions are becoming more and more popular, and changing the course of how people travel and do business, he gets to be a spectator for the Montgolfier brothers as they are the first people to fly the first hot air balloon. When we think of Mr. Franklin, the first thing that comes to mind is electricity. He is well known for his inventions and electricity. He had a keen eye for things regarding technology and change. He had a passion for change and created within himself a strong desire to learn and be learned from. But like many famous people in this world, they are not “famous” until after they are dead. It is not until they have cleared the world do they actually show up as being important. There were several books written about him and some of the books portrayed Benjamin Franklin and his keen desire to know more. Franklin found solace in art, literature and inventions. He enjoyed sifting through important pieces of literature and coming up with new inventions that made this world a better place. It appears to me that Franklin has a close relationship to God. Many famous people who have accomplished something great owe their works and success to God. Franklin does with no shame. He clearly and gladly thanks God for the providence bestowed upon him. “And now I speak of thanking God, I desire with all humility to acknowledge that I owe the mentioned happiness of my past life to His kind providence, which lead me to the means I used and gave them success. My belief of this induces me to hope, though I must not presume, that the same goodness will still be exercised toward me, in continuing that happiness, or enabling me to bear a fatal reverse, which I may experience as others have done: the complexion of my future fortune being known to Him only in whose power it is to bless to us even our afflictions.” I find this to be very respectable and honorable and now understand why such a great man had so much success. Not only was Mr. Franklin prolific with his words and deeds but at as active personal, shaping the future of the US, it is mere impossible for Franklin to be inattentive to the affairs happening outside of the country. He was extremely current on the issues happening around him and was always willing to lend an ear, or verbalize and opinion on other’s behalf. In his autobiographical account Franklin speaks of his struggle with the Penn family who controlled the colony as proprietors. He was selected to lead the ‘anti-propriety party against the Penn family and was duly elected as the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House in 1764. He sheds light on the fact of his appointment to the ”Five Member Committee” who were responsible for drafting the Declaration of American Independence. He also enlightens us on his opposition to the Stamp Act in 1765 and the outrage exhibited by the Pennsylvanian’s who had believed that he had supported them. Considering the extent of Colonial resistance he encountered, he appealed to the House of Commons and soon the Stamp Act was repealed.  Franklin also recites about his quest for paper money and wrote an essay on a Modest Enquiry into the Nature and Necessity of a Paper Currency in 1729. His monetary experiments paid off and became successful among the Middle Colonies that put a stop to deflation without causing any inflation. In 1766, Franklin appealed to the British House of Commons to introduce paper money based on the anti- counterfeiting techniques that he had brought out through innovation. (John Kenneth Galbraith, 1975) He became interested in writing when his brother printed a newspaper The newspaper was the 2nd to go out in America and was called the New England Currant. With this newspaper, he was able to begin his search for success in the area of writing. This is only part of his journey I finding his niche in life. Benjamin Franklin was the only Founding Father who not only witnessed but was also a royal signatory of four of the major documents pertaining to the founding of the United States of America, which include the Declaration of Independence, the American Constitution, The Treaty of Alliance with France and the Treaty of Paris. Besides George Washington, Franklin was considered to be one of the champions of American independence. After returning in 1785, he became an abolitionist and set a good example by setting free both his slaves. Through his dedication and hard work he was elected the President of the Pennsylvania Abolition society. (P.B.S.org.) Since he was the President, he was in a position to offer strong backing to the Quakers who wanted to abolish slavery in 1790.  This book is able to transport its readers to a place of consciousness. The readers are able to relate to the text and understand where Benjamin is coming from. We can also get a better perspective on who this wonderful man is and what his goals and thoughts were on life. We are also able to see his dedication to his family and though he did not agree with everything they spoke about and did, he was able to love them and find his own view on life. The first book on the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1706 -“ 1757, vol. 1) was also edited by Mark Skousen with an interesting introduction, which was followed by The Completed Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin. This book transports its audience through Franklin’s glorious years from 1757 to 1790 when Franklin passed away at the age of fifty one. This book is a classic and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of America. This book does not only show the realities of Franklin’s life but it it paints a vivid portrait of one of America’s most enterprising and well loved Founding Fathers. With out this precise and detailed account of Benjamin Franklin’s life, we would not have the opportunity to experience and understand the great life and contributions he brought to the United States. References Benjamin Franklin, books written, compiled and edited by mark Skousen  http://www.mskousen.com/benjamin-franklin-books/  Citizen Ben, Abolitionist, P.B.S.org.  John Kenneth Galbraith, (1975) Money: Where It Came, Whence It Went pp. 54–54. Houghton Mifflin Company.  Mark Skousen, (2005) The Completed Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin.  Regnery Publishing, Pgs. 256.  The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1757, vol. 1) edited by Mark Skousen, Regnery Publishing, 2007.  The Completed Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin, vol. 2  http://www.mskousen.com/benjamin-franklin-books/the-compleated-autobiography-by-benjamin-franklin/ Read More