Books — Consumed

1791 · Benjamin Franklin

Franklin's autobiography stands as one of the foundational texts of American literature, written in four parts across nearly two decades. The book traces his journey from running away as a teenager to becoming one of the most influential figures in colonial America. Franklin's direct, unpretentious prose style established a template for American writing that prioritized clarity and practical wisdom over ornamental language.

The book's power lies in Franklin's honest accounting of his attempts at self-improvement, particularly his famous thirteen virtues and his methodical approach to developing good habits. He writes about failure and success with equal candor, showing how he built his printing business, established civic institutions in Philadelphia, and conducted his electrical experiments. The narrative breaks off before covering his most significant diplomatic work during the Revolutionary War, but what remains offers an unmatched view into the mind of someone actively constructing both himself and a new American identity.

What makes this autobiography compelling is Franklin's clear-eyed pragmatism combined with genuine intellectual curiosity. He writes as someone who believed problems could be solved through reason, organization, and effort—a deeply American sensibility that continues to resonate. The book functions both as memoir and instruction manual, showing how a tradesman's son could shape himself into a statesman through deliberate practice and strategic thinking.