Benjamin Franklin

I recently finished reading Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography.  It was a magnificent read!  He began each day with the thought “what good shall I do today?” And ended with “what good have I accomplished today?”  I loved the little poem that was contained in the book (I’ll have to look up exactly who wrote it):

Let not the stealing God of Sleep surprize,
Nor creep in Slumbers on thy weary Eyes,
Ere ev’ry Action of the former Day, Strictly thou dost,
and righteously survey.
With Rev’rence at thy own Tribunal stand,
And answer justly to thy own Demand.
Where have I been? In what have I transgrest?
What Good or Ill has this Day’s Life exprest?
Where have I fail’d in what I ought to do?
In what to GOD, to Man, or to myself I owe?
Inquire severe whate’er from first to last,
From Morning’s Dawn till Ev’nings Gloom has past.
If Evil were thy Deeds, repenting mourn,
And let thy Soul with strong Remorse be torn:
If Good, the Good with Peace of Mind repay,
And to thy secret Self with Pleasure say,
Rejoice, my Heart, for all went well to Day.

My favorite quote of all time from Franklin:
“Either do something worth writing, or write something worth doing.”

I was telling a friend that it’s kind of sad at the end of the book, it’s almost like you’ve been a part of this other life and as you draw towards the end you know it will soon be over.  But there’s so much more interesting material to read!  I’ve started a book on Nefertiti now.  The Egyptian culture is really interesting to me, I can recall as a child checking out books on the embalming process… what a strange kid.  

So far, I’m enjoying this novel; even though it’s mainly fiction – - there’s a lot of non-fictional information throughout the book.  I’ve learned that Nefertiti was a very important figure during her reign, almost as important as her husband.  She was not only extremely stunning but very knowledgeable and a kind leader.

I’ll update once I’m finished w/ the book.  As the end of my work day draws near, I must finish up some things and prepare for my release.  That almost sounds as if I’m a caged animal at the zoo… which isn’t too far from the truth.   I guess I should be lucky to have a job though.

Have a wonderful afternoon folks!