Benjamin Franklin's Life and Accomplishments

Early Life and Family

• Benjamin Franklin's autobiography was written in two parts.
• Born in Boston, January 1706; youngest son with many siblings.

Education and Early Career

• Attended grammar school but left to assist his father.
• Apprenticed at his brother's printing business, gaining knowledge.

Writing and Intellectual Development

• Wrote poetry, improved writing skills, used the Socratic method.

Early Journalism

• Anonymously submitted articles to his brother's newspaper.
• Briefly published the paper before moving to Philadelphia.

Travel and Work in Philadelphia and London

• Worked for printers in Philadelphia and London.
• Saved money by drinking only water.
• Returned to Philadelphia after about two years in London.

Business Ventures

• Opened a successful printing house.
• Published a newspaper and became the sole owner by 1730.

Public Projects and Intellectual Pursuits

• Initiated a subscription library.
• Dedicated time to studying books.

Moral Perfection Project

• Developed a project to achieve moral perfection with 13 virtues.
• Focused on one virtue each week.

Public Affairs and Inventions

• Took interest in public affairs.
• Proposed an academy and philosophical society in