Benjamin Franklin Autobiography

  I have always enjoyed learning about other's life story, so I decided to read the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.  When reading any autobiography, you must keep in mind that it can be subjective, and the author has to rely on memory to accurately recall information.  The recreation may not be totally historically factual. 

   The way this book was worded made it a bit difficult to comprehend easily, but despite that I found it to be an engaging story.  I found it touching that he wrote the book for his son. Since the story breaks off  in 1757, I was curious and checked other sources to learn some info about "what happens next".  I discovered  that the relationship between father and son had become strained, which was disappointing.  In fact, I learned that things were not always picture perfect when it came to family matters, but that's another story... 

  The autobiography gives insight to a slice of Franklin's fascinating life, experiencing the times through his eyes. Even in his youth, Franklin displayed self-confidence, independence, and an eye for opportunity.  He was not only one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.  He was a writer, publisher, inventor, diplomat, and scientist.  I get overwhelmed sometimes just being a teacher!  In our modern times, he certainly could write a self-help book!  He took the initiative to teach himself on so many levels, and helped to expand the frontiers of science and invention.  We have much to remember him for!

How Historians Work

  I used to think that a historian's primary job was to memorize countless facts and give lectures.  My opinion has since changed after experiencing this class.  History schoolbooks do not relay the amount of detective work that goes into the construction of real history.  History does not simply "happen". It takes a dedicated person to piece together clues from sources such as artifacts and documents, all in an attempt to gain more information or insight to unravel mysteries of the past.   By reading, listening, or viewing events that have occured, historians gather factual information that has been recorded or retold.  They review the past while retelling the stories and events that are discovered.