It took me a full 40 days to complete this book. Overall, it is an outstanding piece of work that offers a detailed and fascinating look into the American thought process. My major takeaways are as follows:

1. A truly blissful human life is one that is filled with continuous employment and an industrious lifestyle. There is a sense of fulfillment and purpose that comes from being actively engaged in work and constantly striving to improve.

2. In the pursuit of greatness, one will often be labeled a hypocrite. However, this is okay. The achievement of puritan principles may be impossible, but the act of chasing them is undeniably useful. It helps us to set high standards for ourselves and to constantly strive for self-improvement.

3. Stay curious about the world around you and the people in it. This curiosity will lead to new experiences, new knowledge, and a broader perspective on life.

4. Get your hands dirty. If you're a writer, write and publish. If you're a scientist, hypothesize, experiment, and improve. If you're a businessman, know all aspects of your field and build a strong network. Taking action and getting involved is essential for achieving success.

Overall, Benjamin Franklin is perhaps the most American of all popular Americans, and there is a wealth of wisdom to be gained from studying his life and work. By following these principles, we can all learn to live our lives in a more purposeful and fulfilling way.

Walter Isaacson is in an excellent position to pen a biography about Franklin. He has already written about statesmen like Kissinger, scientists such as Einstein, and inventors like Steve Jobs. So, it makes perfect sense to write about someone who was a combination of all three.

In fact, one of the main pleasures of reading this book is the appreciation for Franklin's astonishing polymath abilities. Who could have imagined that the man who invented catheters and bifocals also played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence while simultaneously writing hilarious political satires?

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the book is the portrayal of Franklin's evolution. He went from being a committed subject of the Crown to an attempted conciliator and finally to a full-throated advocate for independence. This journey seems even more remarkable than that of other Founders.

Isaacson's enthusiasm for his multi-faceted subject becomes so intense that he sometimes ignores or downplays Franklin's less admirable qualities. For example, his grudge against his son William is not given due attention. Additionally, Isaacson often feels the need to excuse Franklin for not having modern views on issues like gender equality or race, even though by the standards of his own time, Franklin was relatively enlightened.

However, it should be noted that Isaacson is far from the only biographer to fall into this trap. Therefore, this is a forgivable shortcoming. Overall, the book provides a fascinating look into the life and times of one of America's most remarkable figures.

The only time this book managed to truly catch my attention was when I was reading it in bed and, as fate would have it, I fell asleep. Subsequently, the book slipped from my hands and landed right on my face. That was quite a jolt, I must say. I decided to stop reading right then and there before I could potentially hurt myself further.

However, there was one particular passage on page 82 that served as the last straw. It read, "For the last 17 years of Deborah's life, Franklin would be away, including when she died. Nevertheless, their mutual affection, respect, and loyalty - and their sense of partnership - would endure." This statement really made me pause and think. It presented a rather poignant and complex picture of a relationship. Despite the long absences and the ultimate separation by death, the bond between Deborah and Franklin seemed to have a strength that was truly remarkable. It made me wonder about the nature of love and commitment in the face of such circumstances.

Overall, this book has had its moments, but it hasn't quite managed to fully engage me. Maybe I'll give it another try at some point, but for now, I'm left with these thoughts about Deborah and Franklin's relationship.

Benjamin Franklin is a remarkable figure in American history.

He was not only a statesman but also a scientist, inventor, writer, and printer.

Born in Boston in 1706, Franklin had a humble beginning. However, through his own efforts and talents, he achieved great success in various fields.

He made significant contributions to the field of science, with his experiments on electricity being particularly well-known. His inventions, such as the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and the Franklin stove, had a profound impact on people's lives.

In addition to his scientific achievements, Franklin was also actively involved in politics. He played an important role in the American Revolution and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

He was also a great diplomat, representing the United States in France and helping to secure French support for the American cause.

Franklin was a prolific writer, with his works including Poor Richard's Almanack and his Autobiography. His writing was characterized by its simplicity, practicality, and humor.

Overall, Benjamin Franklin was a truly remarkable individual whose achievements and contributions have had a lasting impact on American and world history.

So, it's kind of a funny story.

I had just finished "Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin" by Jill Lepore. At the end, there was a recommendation to follow it up with Walter Isaacson's "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life". Well, sure, I thought equably. Now's as good a time as ever. Who knows when my interests, time, and chance may align again?

You see, my friend Amber had chosen "Book of Ages" as our May 2020's Book Club selection. I, true to form, had procrastinated cracking the spine of said tome. I did a great job in obtaining the book way back in November, which is a good first step.

(Just to remind myself of the context of my life at a later date - the COVID-19 pandemic is a few months old at this point in world history. Alaskan students haven't been in school in nearly two months, everyone is baking bread, the world economy seems to be on the verge of collapse... but we are intrepid book club members! We meet by Zoom videoconference these days. Good times.)

Anyhow, I read the first page of the preface of my book club book about six days out from the meeting and found it delightful. Yet I knew it would be unlikely for me to sit down, undistracted by quilting, other books, my obligations, work, animals, and various projects, and make it through the many pages of that book in time for our meeting. So I added the audiobook to my Audible account.

After a day of yardwork on Saturday and a three-hour walk with my dog Cooper on Sunday, I motored through the audiobook at a swift 1.7x speed and polished it off on Monday morning. Being a somewhat cheap person, I turned to my library's collection for the Ben Franklin biography. Bingo! They had it, and there wasn't a wait. I could have immediate gratification to my founding father whim.

Jill Lepore's "Book of Ages" sets a great backstory to the Franklins, beginning with their lineage in the 1500's and examining their childhood with care. "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life" didn't. I was surprised how quickly his childhood was covered. After all, I toggled over to Audible.com and discovered I had signed up to listen for 24 hours about Mr. Franklin's life.

And then, I was even more surprised about the pacing choices of the author. I mean, I was listening at a credibly breezy speed, but still - save a little for the end, Mr. Isaacson.

Which is all a really long way of saying that - whoops! I didn't know I had borrowed an abridged version of the book. A mere 7 hours (well, 4 hours on 1.75x speed).

So... if anyone ever asks me if I've read Walter Isaacson's splendid biography? I'm torn. Kind of?

Did I enjoy it? Certainly.

Will I now read the entire (unabridged) book? Ummmmmmm... the multiverse exists for a reason. There's always a chance.

( *I said "it's kind of a funny story" not "it's a rip-roaring hilarious story." It's really too long for the first kind of review, but at least I posted a warning to lower your expectations, right? That's fair.

**So, my computer doesn't seem to think "undistracted" is a valid word. I protest! And will not substitute it. (Though I admit I am actively trying not to think about what the correct word is because once I light upon it, I'll likely give in and change it. Not a hill to die on, certainly, but I'm standing firm, nonetheless.)

P.S. Follow-up: I actually immediately turned to "John Quincy Adams" from my Audible library, so at least I'm staying with that time period. Gettin' eddicated 'bout 'Merica's youth 'n all.)

Ben Franklin is truly one of my heroes, standing tall among greats like Albert Einstein and Richard Feynman. As I embark on my journey of reading books about American presidents, I decided to begin with this famous American who, though never a president himself, played a crucial role in shaping the nation where presidents could emerge.

I am a huge admirer of Walter Isaacson and his biographies. I have devoured many of them, and "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life" did not disappoint. Isaacson has a remarkable talent for making a biography flow smoothly, blurring the lines between a novel and a non-fiction work. The stories are not exaggerated but are well-written, concise, and comprehensive. If you have concerns about biographies being just a罗列 of facts and figures, then you haven't experienced Isaacson's approach.

As a fan of Ben Franklin, I have read extensively about him, especially during my teenage years. I had a long list of his achievements and contributions. However, after watching the HBO Series "John Adams" with Amy, I became curious about how much I really knew about Franklin.

It turns out that I knew relatively little, not because I was ignorant but because the list of things Franklin accomplished, pioneered, or enabled in America is simply astonishing. While everyone is familiar with his role in the American Revolution, his work as the American postmaster, his printing endeavors, his experiments with lightning, and his inventions like bifocals and the Franklin stove, there are many lesser-known facts.

For example, Ben Franklin was an outstanding swimmer and invented swimming fins (admittedly, wooden ones). He established the first volunteer fire department, created the odometer, and developed the urinary catheter. He had a passion for travel and was constantly on the move between America, France, and England. He also invented the first American musical instrument, the glass armonica, and coined all the electric terminology related to his experiments, such as battery, charged, condense, conductor, plus/minus, and positively/negatively. Additionally, he contributed to the creation of the first American hospital. The list goes on and on.

The early Franklin was renowned for the virtues he professed and then worked on diligently, not all at once but in a systematic manner over time. When I reflect on these virtues, I find them surprisingly relevant today.

"Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."

"Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation."

"Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time."

"Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."

"Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing."

"Industry. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions."

"Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."

"Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty."

"Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve."

"Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation."

"Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable."

"Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation."

"Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates."

His personal life was captivating, complex, and non-traditional. It evolved over the course of his lifetime, and while it doesn't mirror mine in any way, Isaacson's portrayal of it is detailed and engaging. However, there were times in the book when I felt Isaacson was a bit lenient towards Franklin for certain actions that could have been explored further. But then again, we are all flawed beings.

His skills as a politician and negotiator were truly remarkable. His ability to remain calm in tense situations was awe-inspiring. I was familiar with many of the specific events, but seeing Franklin's role in them from the perspective of his biographer was both fascinating and educational.

I'll conclude by leaving you with a few famous Franklin quotes that we often repeat or hear.

"In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."

"Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."

"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest."

"Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing."

"Content makes poor men rich; discontentment makes rich men poor."

"Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy."

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

This thoroughly researched biography offers an in-depth exploration of Benjamin Franklin's life, delving specifically into his personality and beliefs.

It commences with a look at his English ancestors and traces his parents' emigration to America, subsequently chronicling his life right up until his passing. I relished reading the stories that lay behind his numerous maxims. The book provides valuable insights into colonial life both before, during, and after the American Revolution. It shines a spotlight on Franklin's remarkable achievements and his enduring influence on America.

I had regarded myself as a Franklin enthusiast, and I discovered even more aspects of him that I liked. However, I also unexpectedly learned certain things that somewhat tarnished my perception of him. I admire his work ethic, frugality, innovation, self-improvement, entrepreneurship, business acumen, negotiating skills, and rational decision-making. Nevertheless, although he was personable and an excellent networker, his relationships were often rather shallow, and he was a distant and generally unloving husband and father.

I also take issue with Franklin's religious views. He abandoned Calvinism in favor of Deism and then developed his own brand of Deism based on good deeds. He believed in God, but only as a benevolent yet distant deity who was best served by helping others. He was of the opinion that religion was primarily useful for making people behave and for improving society, and that all religions were valid. He consistently emphasized the material over the spiritual.

Franklin's motto might well have been "Do well by doing good." He demonstrated that one could amass wealth by engaging in the business of serving others. He declared that he would rather "live usefully" than "die rich." He cautioned against welfare and supported trickle-down economics. Franklin retired from business at the age of 42, the midpoint of his life, but arguably achieved even more in the second half. In fact, he was 69 when he signed the Declaration of Independence!

Franklin was a master diplomat; he knew how to negotiate for mutual benefit, which is why he quickly became involved in politics and then advanced from the local to the international stage. He employed the Socratic method (non-confrontational questioning) to influence people. He also asserted that a secret to being more respected than resented was to be self-deprecating and unpretentious, a principle he adhered to throughout his life.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Benjamin Franklin or the founding of America. I also suggest Franklin's autobiography or the modern adaptation (my review).

Benjamin Franklin is a name that is likely familiar to almost everyone. He was a writer, public figure, scientist, inventor, politician, and diplomat.

His name is inextricably linked with the history of the United States, where he was born and did a great deal for the development of freedom of speech, enlightenment and education, self-government, and the formation of statehood. For his merits to the country, his portrait, along with those of the US presidents, is placed on the 100-dollar bill of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.

Franklin achieved a great deal in his 84 years thanks to his hard work, thrift, and rational rules of daily behavior. Once formulated, Benjamin strived to adhere to these principles throughout his life.

Franklin had a plan to achieve moral perfection in 13 weeks. Each week he perfected the observance of one of the principles, and noted violations of the others in a special table. The main task was to develop and consolidate a good habit through repeated repetition. After repeating this cycle several times in a row, Franklin then carried it out once a year, and then once every few years.

Benjamin Franklin was a publisher and an excellent writer, and his witty expressions enriched the English language and became part of world culture. His book "The Way to Wealth" with advice on how to get rich has gone through 1,300 (!) editions. And the lightning rod he invented, which has saved countless houses from fires caused by lightning strikes, we still use today.

The life of Benjamin Franklin deserves close attention and careful study. Something can be learned by reading his personal "Autobiography", about which Dale Carnegie once said: "If you want to get excellent advice on how to deal with people, control yourself, and improve your personal qualities, read the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin - one of the most fascinating life stories."

A detailed analysis of Franklin's personality was made by the talented American writer Walter Isaacson - the author of biographies of Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, and Henry Kissinger. His book "Benjamin Franklin: A Biography" is based on numerous primary sources: Franklin's personal archive, the newspapers, magazines, and books he published, as well as the letters of his relatives and acquaintances. Thanks to this, the development and self-improvement of Benjamin Franklin's personality can be traced from his earliest years to his last days. And by reading the book, one can draw the right conclusions and apply them in one's own life.

Biographical books are truly captivating.

One such remarkable biographical work is the one that details the life and times of the distinguished American politician Benjamin Franklin.

It provides a comprehensive and in-depth look into his extraordinary life, from his early years to his numerous achievements and contributions.

I have a great fondness for biographical books as they are not only interesting but also offer valuable insights into the lives of remarkable individuals.

If someone has a penchant for biographies, they too can find great enjoyment and inspiration in reading this particular one about Benjamin Franklin.

It is a must-read for those who wish to learn more about the man who played a significant role in shaping American history.

Benjamin Franklin was a truly remarkable figure. With humble beginnings, he rose to shape the identity of the U.S. and the structure of power. His practical view of engagement and avoidance of dogma led him to inspire many public works, despite not being formally trained in science. He was also a skilled negotiator, representing the U.S. in international affairs.

Franklin's ideas and the way he argued them changed over time. He learned to influence people more effectively, becoming less contentious and more of a humble enquirer. He created personal rules for himself, such as frugality and sincerity, and tried to make amends for his mistakes. In politics, business, science, and religion, he was pragmatic and avoided being dogmatic.

Franklin's life was full of challenges and opportunities. He had a difficult relationship with his brother James during his apprenticeship as a printer, but he eventually ran away and found success in Philadelphia. He founded the Junto, a club for tradesmen and artisans, which was very successful and led to many new ideas and public policies. He also became the postmaster, which gave him more influence and control over the distribution of his print shop's products.

In his personal life, Franklin had a common-law arrangement with Deborah, and they had a few children together. He also had an illegitimate son, William, who would later take the opposite side in the War of Independence. Franklin became more religious as he got older, but he was always pragmatic about it, creating a moral perfection project to help people become more virtuous.

Overall, Benjamin Franklin was a complex and multifaceted individual who made significant contributions to many areas of American life. His life story is an inspiration, and the book does a great job of presenting it from the perspective of his time. However, the lack of full context and background for some events can make it a bit difficult to understand the reasons and outcomes.

A great biography of Franklin has emerged, particularly following the highly regarded works on George Washington by Flexner and John Adams by McCullough. These previous biographies have set a high standard for exploring the lives of these influential figures. After delving into the story of Franklin, I then attempted to read about Hamilton. However, I have found myself growing a little tired of constantly being immersed in the Revolutionary era. While the events and人物 of that time are undeniably important and fascinating, there is a limit to how much one can consume without seeking a change of pace. It may be time to explore other periods or individuals to gain a more diverse understanding of history and the human experience.

Peter Gay, in his work The Science of Freedom (The Enlightenment, Volume 2), examined the views of the French Philosphes towards Benjamin Franklin. He quoted Condorcet, who, in his 1790 eulogy to Franklin, said, “Men whom the reading of philosophic books had secretly converted to the love of liberty became enthusiastic over the liberty of a foreign people while they waited for the moment when they could recover their own, and they seized with joy the opportunity to avow publicly the sentiments which prudence had prevented them from expressing.” Franklin, who had spent years in France representing first the thirteen colonies and later the United States of America, had earlier been embraced by Voltaire. According to Gay, spectators witnessed Voltaire embrace Franklin and bless Franklin's godson with the charged words: “God and liberty.” By now, God had become the guide to American philosphes, and liberty an American specialty.

The Benjamin Franklin described in Walter Isaacson's magisterial survey of his life was truly an American philosphe and a friend of liberty. The image of Franklin that emerges from this biography is not only that but also of a practical man. His never-ending search for knowledge and wisdom was always put to practical use, both in his own life and for his country.

The early years of his life are perhaps the most familiar to most Americans, as he is one of the “Founding Fathers” whose life has been elevated to mythical status. Issacson adds details of Franklin's family and less familiar but crucial episodes to the well-known story. The prodigal son is one metaphor for his life. One notable event was his retirement from business at the age of 42, exactly halfway through his long life. It was his achievements in the second half of his life, in various fields such as science, social affairs, politics, diplomacy, and philosophy, that made him the man embraced by Voltaire and others both within and outside his home country. He also charmed philosophers in England, persuading David Hume to support the colonial cause.

Isaacson uses the theme of “pouring oil on troubled water” to connect different sections of the book. This is based on Franklin's observation of the physical effect of oil on the wake of a ship, demonstrating his consistent use of his powers of observation in the service of science. It also takes on a metaphoric meaning, referring to his diplomatic achievements and, to a lesser extent, his family relations. Overall, the author's journalistic style is engaging enough to carry the reader through the less exciting passages until reaching the years of conflict, including coercive measures, the war for independence, and diplomatic intrigue in France.

While Franklin worked long in London to maintain the uneasy relationship between the Crown and the colonies, he reached a turning point with the intolerable taxes and other coercive acts. These led him to “abandon his moderation in the colonies' battles with Parliament. The turning point had been reached.” The concluding section details Franklin's final and perhaps finest performance as a grand old man at the Constitutional Convention in the summer of 1787. There, he used his status as diplomat emeritus to quietly (mostly) help bring into existence the document that would be the foundation of the new Republic to this day. The combination of his thoughts and actions, the events he participated in, and the impact he had on his family and country make his life rightly called “An American Life”.