“From a child I was fond of reading, and all the little money that came into my hands was ever laid out in books. Pleased with the Pilgrim’s Progress, my first collection was of John Bunyan’s works in separate little volumes. I afterward sold them to enable me to buy R. Burton’s Historical Collections; they were small chapmen’s books, and cheap, 40 or 50 in all.

My father’s little library consisted chiefly of books in polemic divinity, most of which I read, and have since often regretted that, at a time when I had such a thirst for knowledge, more proper books had not fallen in my way since it was now resolved I should not be a clergyman.

Plutarch’s Lives there was in which I read abundantly, and I still think that time spent to great advantage. There was also a book of De Foe’s, called an Essay on Projects, and another of Dr. Mather’s, called Essays to do Good, which perhaps gave me a turn of thinking that had an influence on some of the principal future events of my life.” – Part One, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, p12-13. ( A digiread.com classics 2005 version)

How can you not adore small and slim books when you can carry them in the bag all the time and sometimes use for other practical purpose? To protect my iPad when I had to throw away the old worn-out cover, I decided to put this book into a pouch with my tablet so that I can go back to the book to gain everlasting insights at the same time.

So I opened up my old tablet and voila! I have this with me.

One of the best insights I gained from Benjamin Franklins’s autobiography was that this industrious and disciplined man of such great achievements in history lived a life inspired by books and enriched his youth with other bookish men.

Do you enjoy reading autobiography? What is your favorite autobiography book that provides invaluable lesson and inspiration?

Jay