The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
by Benjamin Franklin
The first American self-help book: the runaway apprentice, the printing business, the Junto, the thirteen virtues and the daily chart, the public projects. Dry, funny and the template for every success memoir since.
Read it if…
you want the original self-improvement programme from its inventor.
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Skip it if…
you want a modern voice.
Try instead: The Life Triumphant →
Three things you will actually use
- Thirteen virtues, one per week.
- Industry and frugality.
- Form a Junto.
Do this first
Read Part Two on the thirteen virtues and make your own chart.
Our verdict
The first self-help book.
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