Benjamin Franklin was an author, statesman, scientist, inventor, philosopher, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
He was in many government offices and helped start the revolution that gave birth to the United States.
He might be the single most influential person in US History.
Plus, his face is on the 100 dollar bill. How cool is that?
So how did one man accomplish so much?
Here are 5 lessons from "Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography" that may answer this question:
1.“Early to bed early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise”
Franklin knew that the quiet solitude of early morning is the best time to compose yourself, get clear about your goals and the direction of your life.
He would prepare for the day ahead all before breakfast
2. “Well done is better than well said.”
Franklin started a library and a university; both exist to this day.
He launched a fire department, served as postmaster, and printed books, magazines, paper money.
You may see his quotes everywhere but he actually was a man of action.
3. “Happiness consists more in the small pleasures that occur every day”
Franklin took a full 2 hrs for lunch. He took his sweet time. He used breaks as a time to read, relax, and recharge before returning to work
He was a fan of "taking it easy". Enjoying every sec of his life
4. “You may delay, but time will not.”
Franklin was a productivity master. In his autography, he shared his daily routine.
In the morning he asked himself:
“What good shall I do this day?”
And he ended the day by asking himself:
“What good have I done today?”
How amazing!
5. “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
He always had something to study and learn.
He was always seeking to better himself, to further his knowledge and skills.
Start reading "100 mental models"
With the help of books, cards, maps, quotes, audiobook,... will internalize mental models in your head in a way that you will use them automatically.
Elon Musk Recommends 5 Books That Changed His Life:
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"I think Elon Musk is a genius, and I don't use that word lightly. I think he's also one of the boldest men that ever came down the pike." - Charlie Munger
Whenever anyone asks Elon Musk how he learned to build rockets, he says: "I read books."
1. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
This biography of Steve Jobs is based on Jobs' interviews and information collected from family and friends, and rivals over two years. The book was written at Jobs' request before he passed away in 2011.
"Where we realize that there is nothing new under the sun."
Beauty, love, immortality, knowledge, and justice are discussed in these dialogues, which magnificently express the glowing spirit of Platonic philosophy.
- The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
"An underrated masterpiece on dealing with human conflicts."
The Prophet provides timeless spiritual wisdom on various subjects, including giving, eating and drinking, laws, teaching, time, pleasure, religion, death, beauty, and friendship.
“Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.”
- Benjamin Franklin
If you have a take-home pay of, say, $2,000 a month, how can I pay for housing, food, insurance, health care, debt repayment, and fun without running out of money? That’s a lot to cover with a limited amount, and this is a zero-sum game.