Ben Franklin's autobiography is the best. He was a world class genius, a reasonably-effective political animal (the American revolution happened when it did in part because the English pissed him off), and the old goat admits to having/liking sex.
His Autobiography[1] should be required reading for young persons. One of the more cutting insights is that freedom of the press doesn't mean a thing if you haven't got one. And so he got into printing. He also advises against drinking hard liquor, because everyone he knew who took to "dram drinking" never amounted to anything. It's a short and entertaining read.
Indeed! I love reading Benjamin Franklin for exaclty that. If you haven't read it, Walter Isaacson's biography on Franklin is absolutely fascinating. Brilliant, hilarious, driven, and wildly accomplished. The dude was (IMHO) one of the most interesting humans to have ever lived. Highly recommend.
I would recommend reading a biography on Ben Franklin, either his own or one done more recently. He has a lot of wisdom to share and I greatly enjoyed the reading.
On a side note, Benjamin Franklin is a wildly fascinating person. I highly recommend Walter Isaacon's biography of him. One of the most interesting (in a good way) humans I know of. I think most people would be surprised at how well they can relate to a man who lived in the 18th century. Check out his humorous essay on farting[1] if you want to laugh.
Isaacson's biography of Ben Franklin is much like you describe. I alternately revered and resented Franklin while I was reading, and took notes to apply to my own life. I would trust the Jobs book to be similar.
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