The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · Chapter
Business Success and First Public Service explained
Franklin details his advocacy for paper currency, which led to a profitable printing contract, and his establishment of the Philadelphia public library.
What happens
Franklin details his advocacy for paper currency, which led to a profitable printing contract, and his establishment of the Philadelphia public library. He emphasizes his industrious and frugal habits, his religious principles, and the importance of self-education.
Themes in this chapter
Industry and Frugality
Franklin emphasizes his industrious and frugal habits, dressing plainly and avoiding idle diversions to secure his credit and character.
Education and Self-Learning
The library provides Franklin with the means for constant study, repairing the loss of a formal education.
Public Service and Civic Duty
Franklin advocates for paper currency to benefit trade and inhabitants, and later establishes a public library for the community.
Religion, Morality, and Deism
Franklin outlines his religious principles, including belief in a Deity, Providence, and the importance of doing good to man.
Characters to notice
- Benjamin Franklin
Narrates his advocacy for paper currency, his printing business, and the founding of the library.
- Samuel Keimer
His business declines and he is forced to sell his printing-house and move to Barbados.
- David Harry
Keimer's apprentice who sets up his own printing business but fails due to pride and neglect.
- Andrew Hamilton
Helps Franklin obtain the printing of Newcastle paper money and government documents.
- Joseph Breintnal
Assists Franklin with producing correct blanks for his stationer's shop.
- Charles Brockden
A skilled conveyancer who drafts the articles for the subscription library.
- Deborah Franklin
Assists Franklin in his business and purchases a china bowl and silver spoon.
- Josiah Franklin
His proverb about diligence is recalled by Franklin as encouragement.
Key passages
“I took care not only to be in reality industrious and frugal, but to avoid all appearances to the contrary.”
Franklin made sure to both actually work hard and save money, and to appear that way to others.
Franklin's strategy for maintaining a good reputation as a tradesman.
“The utility of this currency became by time and experience so evident as never afterwards to be much disputed.”
Over time, the benefits of the paper currency became clear and were no longer questioned.
Franklin reflects on the success of his advocacy for paper money.
“Reading was the only amusement I allowed myself.”
Franklin's sole leisure activity was reading.
Franklin's dedication to self-improvement through reading.