Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin book club questions

The reading plan

Meeting 1: Parts 1 to 6

1. What can an unsuccessful trial at a trade teach someone that schooling cannot?
2. How might writing secret newspaper essays change the balance of power between Benjamin Franklin and his brother?
3. What matters most when starting over in an unfamiliar city: shelter, work, or people who share your interests?
4. How should Franklin weigh family doubts against generous promises when judging a business plan?
5. Is a literary trick a fair way to test someone's judgment of poetry?

Meeting 2: Parts 7 to 12

6. How much credit should Franklin's independence receive when friendships and a troubled partnership also help establish his business?
7. Should preaching be judged mainly by the moral guidance it offers?
8. How might profitable public appointments affect your trust in Franklin's moral advice?
9. Do clear business agreements show trust between people, or protect them from trusting too much?
10. What reasons could justify refusing a patent for a useful invention?

Meeting 3: Parts 13 to 23

11. How should Franklin balance private study against public improvements that need his time?
12. What might opposition from two sides for contrary reasons suggest about the proposed shared government?
13. Does staying friendly in private strengthen or weaken Franklin's public opposition to Morris?
14. How much responsibility should someone who secures army transport bear when defeat leads to crushing claims?
15. How might public recognition change the way readers judge Franklin's scientific work?

Themes to talk about

Tips for the host

1. Open each meeting with one question everyone can answer, then go deeper.
2. Anyone who fell behind can catch up with the 15-minute summary.