Chapter V Summary and Analysis

Franklin became a member of a club called the JUNTO, which was an intellectual group that discussed philosophy, politics, morals, and other current events. One advantage of the club was to network with other intellectuals, specifically those who could provide references and services at a later time. He received referrals from club members to his new business, but alsothe club helped support his political efforts and other excursions of Franklin's life. George Webb , an old friend, asked for a job and Franklin said he had no work, but was planning to start a newspaper, at which time Ben would hire Webb. Webb told Keimer of Ben's plan, and Webb started a newspaper. Ben wrote a number of controversial letters to Bradford's newspaper (Keimer's rival) under an anonymous name. The letters were so entertaining, Bradford's paper became even more popular...