Good edition. ( )

I think we all learned a little about Benjamin Franklin in our history classes, such as his experiments with lightning, his inventions, and some of his public service achievements, as well as his involvement with the Continental Congress. But I was especially interested in his Plan of Conduct as well as his list of Virtues which he tried to follow. According to his autobiography, he was a great believer in industry, frugality, prudence, knowledge. He believed that in order to succeed, you needed to work hard and not waste time. He also believed that the money that you earned, you should not waste, but rather be frugal with it. I also found it interesting that Franklin was self-educated, yet he was very well-read, and he eventually received honorary degrees from Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and Cambridge. This shows what dedication and industry can achieve. This, I believe, is a book that everyone should read, and it is especially thought provoking during difficult economic times such as those in which we now find ourselves.

In addition, I found it interesting that even though Franklin had his list of thirteen virtues that he tried to follow, he admitted that he was not perfect and he often found them difficult to follow, but by making a schedule and keeping track of how well he did with each virtue, he was able to slowly improve. He was setting goals for himself so that he could continually become a better person. He seemed to be a very organized man. I feel that each of us could find something in his autobiography which could benefit us. I only wish that I had read it earlier and applied some of his techniques to my own life at an early age. ( )

Born in America, lived 1706-1790. This work has great historical value, and for the record, is accurate and specific. Franklin injected himself into significant events, developed and employed methods and inventions for "public good", and the convenience of others, including readers. In this Autobio, he narrates his business years. However, this was published before the founding of the United States. His time as ambassador to France and years as Postmaster are not covered. Nor does he comment on the great honor and esteem he enjoyed, second only to Washington. Nor does he ventilate the tragedies and betrayals in his life, such as his own son's loyalties to King George.

Literature - this is writing intended to be read and understood; it is instructive rather than pompous "biblical" or egomaniacal.

Science - Franklin saw and contributed to the sea change of the 18th century. He moved from the "cramped" life of Boston to the young opportunities of Philadelphia. The growing interest in science, influence of liberal writers like John Locke, the rise of learned professions and a merchant class, and radical political ideas made "progress" possible. Franklin became a Self-Improvement guru.

In Politics. His solid merits and unusual tact made him a natural diplomat.

Morals - he kept an almost daily journal of his moral achievements and failures, with a view to continuing to experience "the goodness of that Being" in the hereafter which he enjoyed in this life. He was clearly an atheist with no belief in unicorns or heaven. ( )

One of the best pieces of American writing. Filled with Franklin's expected wit and sparkle, this short little work will have you chuckling and thinking throughout. ( )