“From a child I was fond of reading, and all the little money that came into my hands was ever laid out in books. Pleased with the ‘Pilgrim’s Progress,’ my first collection was of John Bunyan’s works in separate little volumes.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
table of contents
Quote
“From a child I was fond of reading, and all the little money that came into my hands was ever laid out in books. Pleased with the ‘Pilgrim’s Progress,’ my first collection was of John Bunyan’s works in separate little volumes.”
Explanation
In this personal reflection, Benjamin Franklin recounts the origins of his lifelong love for reading and learning, tracing it back to childhood. He describes how even his smallest earnings were devoted to books, revealing an early commitment to self-education. His fondness for The Pilgrim’s Progress, a spiritual allegory by John Bunyan, illustrates that his first literary interests were not only engaging stories but also works of moral and philosophical substance.
This quote highlights Franklin’s core belief that knowledge is the foundation of personal growth and opportunity. With limited formal education, Franklin built much of his intellectual life through self-directed reading, making him a model of Enlightenment ideals: rational inquiry, self-reliance, and the transformative power of literature. His admiration for Bunyan also reveals the moral and reflective tone that would characterize much of his own writing.
In today’s world, Franklin’s words remain an inspiration for lifelong learners and those with modest beginnings. His example reminds us that a love of reading and dedication to self-improvement can open doors far beyond one’s circumstances. It is not wealth, but curiosity and discipline, that nurture the mind—and Franklin, by investing in books from an early age, laid the foundation for his remarkable contributions to science, politics, and philosophy.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
