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The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. 1791. 1 st Journal Second Quarter. What was Poor Richard’s Almanac? What is an aphorism?

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The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

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  1. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin 1791

  2. 1st Journal Second Quarter • What was Poor Richard’s Almanac? • What is an aphorism? • Look over the aphorisms from Poor Richard’s Almanac. Choose one that you like. Copy it into your journal and explain why you like it. How do you see this aphorism reflected in American culture today?

  3. Ben Franklin’s Life • Born in Boston in 1706 • Self-educated • As a teenager, studied printing in his brother's newspaper shop • Independent, he went off on his own to Philadelphia • Became a printer and a civic leader • After retirement (at 42), invented the lightning rod, bifocal lenses; discovered electricity • Worked extensively in public affairs • Died in 1790 • Most famous writing: Poor Richard’s Almanac and The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

  4. Significance of Ben Franklin’s Autobiography • An early example of the American Dream • Chronicles his story of rising from rags to riches through hard work • One of the first autobiographies in literature • Lists virtues and ways in which the reader can achieve them; one of the first “self-help” books • Reflects 18th century Enlightenment thought

  5. In your groups, discuss: • Review the list of thirteen virtues. Which do you think are most important, and why? Which do you think are hardest to achieve today, and why? What is one other (or others) you would add? • Examine Franklin’s daily schedule. Do you think this is something you could follow today? • If you were to outline your most productive schedule, what would it look like? Create a table like Franklin’s. • How is Franklin’s autobiography more like a self-help book? Why is this the most anthologized section?

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