The Joy of Reading: Lessons from Benjamin Franklin

The Joy of Reading: Lessons from Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin provides an inspiring model of a lifelong love of reading for young people today. From a young age, Franklin was captivated by books. Born in 1706 into a family of modest means, Franklin did not have easy access to books given the lack of public libraries at the time. Yet he found creative ways to access books by borrowing from friends and acquaintances.

Franklin’s passion drove him to become an autodidact – he educated himself through voracious reading across a wide range of topics. As a teenager, he read everything he could get his hands on – from poetry to philosophy to science and history books. He meticulously tested and recorded accounts of natural phenomena in journals. Although he left school at the age 10 due to family financial hardship, reading allowed him to transform himself into arguably one of the most learned men of his era.

Even as he took on more obligations in business, science, and politics later in life, Franklin never lost his dedication to self-improvement through reading. As a busy statesman in his 70s and 80s, he spent four to five hours every day reading widely across contemporary scientific, political, and philosophical works. He fit reading anywhere he could – even bringing books to reads on walks.

The rewards of Franklin’s reading life manifested not just in his incredible contributions to science but also his leading roles in founding key institutions of American civic life like libraries, fire departments, hospitals, and insurance systems. Reading disciplined his mind and allowed him to develop creative solutions to difficult problems society faced.

In an era of fleeting tweets and viral videos, young people can draw inspiration from Franklin’s reading life. Setting aside dedicated time for thoughtful, reflective reading is a way to transform oneself and contemplate deeper ideas and truths. Great thinkers like Franklin modeled that reading is one of the most joyful – and productive – activities imaginable.