Comparing and contrasting essays by Malcom X and Benjamin Franklin

In both of the essays Malcom X and Benjamin Franklin tell about their love for reading and what they were able to take away from all of their studying. Both were fascinated with all sorts of readings and loved the amount of knowledge they could obtain from books. "My fathers little library consisted chiefly of books in polemic divinity...at a time when I had such a thirst for knowledge..." Benjamin Franklin says. "I was so fascinated that I went on-I copied the dictionary's next page," says Malcom X. Though both were very interested in reading, Malcom X had to teach himself how to read and write during his time in prison. "I spent two days just riffling uncertainly through the dictionary's pages...I began copying," says Malcom. Both were influenced by certain authors and books. Malcom studied Mr. Muhammad's teachings and was very intrigued. These books inspired Malcom to share Muhammad's teachings with other African-Americans. Franklin was inspired to write after reading a volume of the Spectator; finding himself interested in the writing of the book. "...read it over and over, and was much delighted with it. I thought the writing was excellent, and wished, if possible, to imitate it," says Franklin.