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A review by tgannon
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson
4.0
We may recall Benjamin Franklin conducted an experiment with lightning, a kite, and a key, signed the Declaration of Independence, and suggested Daylight Savings Time, but why does Benjamin Franklin endure to the American public almost 230 years after this death in 1790? Why is Franklin remembered more for his wit than his achievements?
Walter Isaacson, in the biography “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life,” makes the argument that Franklin was so precocious, novel, and intelligent, as well as being partly responsible for molding so much of the best aspects of America’s personality, that he should be remembered more for his great achievements over his witticisms. Though by no means diminishing Franklin’s delightful wryness, humor, or pragmatic approach to life, Isaacson asserts that the “aura” of Ben tends to overshadow his scientific, literal, and political achievements to the average American. However the central thesis is this: Franklin’s pragmatism is what holds it all together, and why after 200 years, he endures.
A fast read with some new insight, “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” is worth your time if you are looking for a cursory glance at America’s favorite grandfather as to understand why Americans should and will continue to revere him so much.
Walter Isaacson, in the biography “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life,” makes the argument that Franklin was so precocious, novel, and intelligent, as well as being partly responsible for molding so much of the best aspects of America’s personality, that he should be remembered more for his great achievements over his witticisms. Though by no means diminishing Franklin’s delightful wryness, humor, or pragmatic approach to life, Isaacson asserts that the “aura” of Ben tends to overshadow his scientific, literal, and political achievements to the average American. However the central thesis is this: Franklin’s pragmatism is what holds it all together, and why after 200 years, he endures.
A fast read with some new insight, “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” is worth your time if you are looking for a cursory glance at America’s favorite grandfather as to understand why Americans should and will continue to revere him so much.