The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin FranklinMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I read this for free on the Kindle app.
Surprisingly interesting. I was especially intrigued by his description of his ideas for The Art of Virtue. I also enjoyed his musings about how to keep the streets clean by employing watchmen to sweep the dust and rake the mud in the wee hours.
I somewhat glazed over the political portions, and I didn't realize it was unfinished, so I was surprised by the abruptness of the end. But I enjoyed his description of how he changed his manner of speaking to get what he wants - removing words like "certainly" or "undoubtedly," and portraying his own thoughts with a sense of uncertainty. It probably does work, and we could learn from it, especially coming from a man who claims pride as one of his major faults.
I had just spent the weekend in Philadelphia a little over a week ago, so it was interesting to learn about places relevant to Franklin's life. I wish I had read this before that trip, though I wouldn't have had any time to visit any extra places anyway.
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