Ben Franklins autobiography, and a few of the main ideas thereof.

In Franklin's autobiography, he addresses several key points in different sections. The first section is dedicated to the virtues he's followed throughout his life, or at least tried to follow. These virtues are as follows:

Temperance- which he defines as eating not to dullness, and drinking not to excess.
Silence- "Speak not but what may benefit other's or yourself, avoid trifling conversations."
Order- "Let all things have their place, let each part of your business have it's time."
Resolution- "Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."
Frugality- "Make no expense but do good to others or yourself"
Industry- "Lose no time, be always employed in something helpful."
Sincerity- "Use no hurtful deceit, think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."
Justice- "Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting benefits that are your duty."
Moderation- "Avoid extremes"
Cleanliness- "Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation."
Tranquility- "Be not disturbed by trifles"
Chastity- no sex.
and,
Humility- "Imitate Jesus and Socrates."

All of these are probably highly useful to do, in all honestly, with the exception of the last one being slightly ironic as if you strive to be like Jesus and/or Socrates, than you strive for intelligence and fame as well, which isn't too humble. Also not many humble people compare themselves to Jesus and Socrates, so...


On that note, have a picture.

Pretty nice chibi franklin, isn't it?

After explaining what the virtues are, Franklin goes on to tell the reader why they're in that order, as if it wasn't self obvious. He then shows how he followed them, why it's a good idea to do so, and shows what his daily journal was.

In the end, Franklin humbles himself by talking about his faults, a section I honestly enjoyed reading.

overall? 7.5/10, would read again.