# I: Ancestry and Early Youth in Boston explained — The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

> Chapter companion for The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin.

## What happens

Benjamin Franklin begins his autobiography by addressing his son, explaining his desire to record his life's circumstances for posterity. He reflects on his ancestry, noting that his family had lived in Ecton, Northamptonshire for three hundred years. He describes his father Josiah Franklin, a tallow-chandler and soap-boiler, and his mother Abiah. Franklin recounts his early education at a grammar school and later a writing school, his dislike for his father's trade, and his strong inclination for the sea. He shares an anecdote about building a wharf with stolen stones, which taught him that nothing useful is dishonest. He also details his father's character, emphasizing his sound judgment, mechanical genius, and role as an arbitrator, which influenced Franklin's own development.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Improvement and Moral Perfection

Franklin's father encouraged discourse on 'what was good, just, and prudent in the conduct of life,' laying the groundwork for Franklin's lifelong pursuit of self-improvement.

### Industry and Frugality

Josiah Franklin's constant labor and industry maintained a large family, and the epitaph on his parents' grave encourages diligence in one's calling.

### Education and Self-Learning

Franklin's early education at grammar and writing schools, and his father's practice of starting useful topics at table, fostered a love of learning.

### Practical Wisdom and Common Sense

Josiah Franklin's sound understanding and judgment in prudential matters, and his role as an arbitrator, exemplify practical wisdom.

## Character check-ins

### Benjamin Franklin

The author and narrator, reflecting on his ancestry and early youth in Boston.

### Josiah Franklin

Benjamin's father, a tallow-chandler and soap-boiler, known for his sound judgment and mechanical genius.

### William Franklin

Benjamin's son, to whom the autobiography is addressed as 'Dear Son'.

### John Collins

Not directly mentioned in this chapter, but included as a placeholder; no relevant excerpt.

## Key lines

> I have ever had pleasure in obtaining any little anecdotes of my ancestors.

Franklin enjoys learning small stories about his forebears.

_Opening of the autobiography, expressing interest in family history._

> My father at last fixed upon the cutler's trade... But his expectations of a fee with me displeasing my father, I was taken home again.

Franklin was briefly apprenticed to his cousin Samuel for cutlery, but the arrangement fell through due to a fee dispute.

_Describes an early attempt to find a suitable trade for Franklin._

> I was brought up in such a perfect inattention to those matters as to be quite indifferent what kind of food was set before me.

Franklin was raised to be unconcerned with the quality of food, focusing instead on more important topics.

_Reflects his father's emphasis on intellectual conversation over culinary details._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/franklin_autobiography_se/chapters/i-ancestry-and-early-youth-in-boston
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/franklin_autobiography_se/chapters