# Business Success and First Public Service explained — The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/franklin_autobiography_se/chapters/viii-business-success-and-first-public-service
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/franklin_autobiography_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/franklin_autobiography_se/chapters