WE Americans devour eagerly any piece of writing that purports to tell us the secret of success in life; yet how often we are disappointed to find nothing but commonplace statements, or receipts that we know by heart but never follow. Most of the life stories of our famous and successful men fail to inspire because they lack the human element that makes the record real and brings the story within our grasp. While we are searching far and near for some Aladdin's Lamp to give coveted fortune, there is ready at our hand if we will only reach out and take it, like the charm in Milton's Comus,...

It would be difficult, and perhaps impossible, to gather from the history and labours of any individual mind, a summary of practical wisdom as rich in varied instruction as the memoirs and writings presented in these volumes will be found to afford. If, on account of the most distinguished public services, the name of Franklin has become inseparably associated with his countrys glory, the works which he has left behind him no less justly entitle him to be considered as the benefactor not only of his own country, but of mankind for all coming time. So admirable, indeed, are these productions,...

This wonderful collection of writings by Benjamin Franklin, and as the humorous and insightful Richard Saunders, includes essays on morals, economics, happiness, wealth, politics and more as well as letters to and from friends and family.
It is the second of two volumes following Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin; Written by Himself Vol. 1, and gives an insightful glimpse of the man who helped shape the United States of America.