The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is among the most searched for autobiographies in the world. He provides an autobiography sample that many have tried to follow.

His work finds followers in historical, literary circles and business circles.

Despite his greatness, even during his time, Benjamin Franklin was humble. His straightforward, easy manner makes his autobiography very readable to people of all stripes.

We can see Benjamin Franklin's humility shine through in a letter that he wrote to his son. Franklin provided this letter at the beginning of his autobiography to outline his reasons for writing his story.

These are his purposes:

1. He's always derived "Pleasure in obtaining any little Anecdote or my Ancestors."

Benjamin Franklin often traveled for the sole purpose of collecting these little stories.

2. He "imagin[es] it may be equally agreable [sic] to you to know the Circumstances of my Life."

Benjamin Franklin hopes that others will find gratification in his words, as he has found it in others.

3. "Having emerg'd from the Poverty and Obscurity in which I was born & bred, to a State of Affluence & some Degree of Reputation in the World, and having gone so far thro' Life with a considerable Share of Felicity, the conducing Means I made use of, which, with the Blessing of God, so well succeeded, my Posterity may like to know, as they may find some of them suitable to their own Situations, & therefore fit to be imitated."

He succeeded in his life. He wants others to know his rags-to-riches story.

4. "[T]he next Thing most like living one's Life over again, seems to be a Recollection of that Life;"

I'm not sure that given the chance to live life over again many people would choose that option. Benjamin Franklin would, however. But since living one's life over again really is not an option, Franklin says that recalling his life is the next best thing.

5. He wants "to make that Recollection as durable as possible, the putting it down in Writing."

Even those who believe in life after death can't resist the idea of preserving something of their lives here and now. As demonstrated by Benjamin Franklin, writing your autobiography is one of the best ways to preserve your story long-term.

6. "I shall indulge the Inclination so natural in old Men, to be talking of themselves and their own past Actions, and I shall indulge it... perhaps I shall a good deal gratify my own Vanity."

Just like Benjamin Franklin, we all have a certain vanity about us. We like talking about ourselves. Don't be afraid to indulge yourself.

7. Lastly, "I speak of thanking God, I desire with all Humility to acknowledge, that I owe the mention'd Happiness of my past Life to his kind Providence, which led me to the Means I us'd & gave them Success."

We all have something to which was can ascribe our success. For Benjamin Franklin, it was God. As you write, don't forget to thank the God of your success.

Use Benjamin Franklin's autobiography as a template for your own writing. Find your reasons for writing. It will make the whole process a lot easier.

About the Author

Review the discussion on Starting an Autobiography . Robert Brady's Autobiography Workshop is a superb tool for writing an autobiography .