# X: Poor Richard’s Almanac and Other Activities explained — The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

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

## What happens

Franklin describes the creation and success of Poor Richard's Almanac, which he used to promote industry and frugality through proverbs. He also discusses his newspaper's ethical standards, a partnership in Charleston, the Hemphill controversy, his language studies, the expansion of the Junto through subordinate clubs, his election as clerk of the General Assembly, and his appointment as postmaster.

## Themes in this chapter

### Industry and Frugality

Franklin filled the Almanac with proverbs promoting industry and frugality as means to wealth and virtue.

### Education and Self-Learning

Franklin studied French, Italian, and Spanish; he also advocated for female education in accounting.

### Practical Wisdom and Common Sense

Franklin's method of winning over an opponent by requesting a book loan exemplifies practical wisdom.

### The Value of Networking and Reputation

Franklin expanded his influence through subordinate clubs and maintained a reputation for clear accounting.

## Character check-ins

### Benjamin Franklin

Author and narrator; publishes Poor Richard's Almanac, runs a newspaper, studies languages, and becomes clerk of the General Assembly and postmaster.

### Poor Richard

Pseudonym used by Franklin for the Almanac; the wise old man character in the 1757 preface.

### James Foster

Dr. Foster's sermon was plagiarized by Hemphill, leading to Hemphill's downfall.

### Colonel Spotswood

Postmaster-general who appointed Franklin as deputy postmaster in Philadelphia in 1737.

### Andrew Bradford

Franklin's old competitor; lost the postmaster position due to negligence in accounting.

## Key lines

> it is hard for an empty sack to stand upright

A person in need finds it difficult to act honestly.

_Franklin uses this proverb to illustrate the connection between financial security and virtue._

> He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged.

Someone who has already helped you is more likely to help again than someone you have helped.

_Franklin reflects on this maxim after winning over a political opponent by requesting a favor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/franklin_autobiography_se/chapters/x-poor-richard-s-almanac-and-other-activities
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/franklin_autobiography_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/franklin_autobiography_se/chapters