The Mentor: Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 6, Num. 7, Serial No. 155, May 15, 1918

The book paints a lively portrait of one of America’s most inventive minds, weaving together his own anecdotes with clear, practical lessons. A memorable childhood episode—spending every penny on a whistle—introduces a recurring theme: the importance of judging value before we spend time, money, or reputation. The author, a seasoned Harvard professor, lets Franklin’s voice speak through short, witty stories that feel both timeless and surprisingly modern.

From a modest Boston upbringing, the narrative follows the young apprentice as he discovers printing, journalism, and civic duty, laying the groundwork for a life of relentless curiosity. Early public roles, from clerk to postmaster, reveal how Franklin’s blend of ambition and humility shaped a versatile career. Readers gain a sense of how his formative choices foreshadow the larger contributions that would later define a nation.