VII: Beginning Business in Philadelphia explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Self-Improvement and Moral Perfection

  Franklin forms the Junto for mutual improvement and reflects on his moral principles and resolutions.

• Practical Wisdom and Common Sense

  Franklin learns from the advice of older men like Samuel Mickle and applies practical wisdom in business.

• The Value of Networking and Reputation

  Franklin builds a network of friends and acquaintances who later prove useful, and values his character.

• Religion, Morality, and Deism

  Franklin describes his turn to Deism and later doubts about its usefulness, emphasizing truth and integrity.

Characters to notice

• Benjamin Franklin

  Returns to Philadelphia, starts his own printing business, forms the Junto, and reflects on his moral principles.

• Hugh Meredith

  Partners with Franklin in the new printing house, described as honest and sensible but given to drink.

• Samuel Keimer

  Former employer, now has a better shop and offers Franklin high wages to manage his printing house.

• Thomas Godfrey

  Glazier who boards with Franklin and Meredith, a self-taught mathematician and inventor.

• James Ralph

  Mentioned as one perverted by Franklin's deist arguments, later wronged Franklin.

• John Collins

  Mentioned as perverted by Franklin's deist arguments, later wronged Franklin.

• Joseph Breintnal

  First member of the Junto, a copyer of deeds and lover of poetry.

• George Webb

  Oxford scholar bought by Keimer as an apprentice, later a Junto member.

Key passages

• “I grew convinced that truth , sincerity and integrity in dealings between man and man were of the utmost importance to the felicity of life; and I formed written resolutions, which still remain in my journal book, to practice them ever while I lived.”

  Franklin became certain that honesty and fairness in human interactions were essential for happiness, and he recorded resolutions to follow these principles for life.

  Franklin's moral turning point after his deist phase.

• “We had scarce opened our letters and put our press in order, before George House, an acquaintance of mine, brought a countryman to us, whom he had met in the street inquiring for a printer. All our cash was now expended ... and this countryman's five shillings, being our firstfruits, and coming so seasonably, gave me more pleasure than any crown I have since earned.”

  Just as Franklin and Meredith set up their press, a customer arrived and paid five shillings—their first income—which brought Franklin more joy than any later earnings.

  The significance of the first earnings in their new business.