Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
by Walter Isaacson
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Book Summary Information
Author: Walter IsaacsonEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-05-04
ISBN: 074325807X
Number of pages: 608
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Accessories:
- Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
- Einstein: His Life and Universe
- Benjamin Franklin : An American Life
Book Reviews of Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
Book Review: Benjamin Franklin; An American Life
Summary: 5 Stars
Thomas Barnes
Isaacson Book Review
ADED 5510
University of Wyoming
September 5, 2006
Benjamin Franklin; An American Life by Walter Isaacson (2003).
On the occasion that I possess or handle a one-hundred dollar bill, I view the prominent picture of Benjamin Franklin. He provides both inspiration and a lasting legacy to all Americans. In BenjaminFranklin; An American Life, author Walter Isaacson shares with the reader the detailed story of a great man.
The saga intricately highlights the history of a renowned pioneer and statesman. In addition, the principles developed by Benjamin Franklin, are an inspiration to those of us studying adult education. A prominent figure in Adult Education, Malcolm S. Knowles clearly defined the contribution of Benjamin Franklin when he stated:
"Through all his writings and by example of his life, Franklin ingrained deeply into the American stream of thought, a compulsion toward self improvement that has exerted a dominant influence on the American attitude toward continuing education" (Knowles, 1977). Furthermore, Benjamin Franklin personifies the positive attributes of humanity. Walter Isaacson unfolds the life and times of Benjamin Franklin in an eloquent manner of soulful storytelling.
Consequently, there are many lessons to learn from the author's narrative of Franklin's life. These lessons explicitly chronicle the deeds performed by a revered founding father. For example, the thriftiness and perseverance of Franklyn as a tradesman and printer, enmeshed in physical labor, demonstrate strength of character and an indomitable spirit. Moreover, the finding of associations for the common good illustrates the civic involvement of Franklin. This civic involvement, combined with his self reliance became part of the American character (103). In addition, the belief in the power and possibilities of science are revealed in numerous inventions. Furthermore, he espoused scientific inquiry and the practical application of said inquiry(130). Additionally, as a man espousing the ideals of freedom, he actively toiled for independence of America. The sagacious wit and wisdom of Benjamin Franklin earned him a position of prominence among his contemporaries. However, his least recognized distinction may be his label as the `Patron Saint' of American Adult Education (Knowles, 1977).
This designation began in 1727. Franklin organized a discussion group (club) of young middle classed men. The organization and participation of the various members highlight the beginnings of adult education. This group, called the Junto shared ideas. They were guided by Franklin's direction; information was shared by a series of suggestions and questions: the Socratic Method. Additionally, the parameters of the Junto directed members to avoid confrontation through the use of feigned, naïve curiosity. In addition, conversational inequities, as recognized by Franklin, included lack of interest by members, disclosing too much information about oneself and disputing, and contradicting or ridiculing other members. Spreading scandals and reciting long and pointless stories were also discouraged. The group supported other members in need and provided assistance for needy community members (56-60). The merging of informational debate and ideas, combined with the increased opportunities of knowledge, make the Junto a pioneer in adult education. Numerous innovations and principles of the Junto are evident in the business organizations and educational institutions of the present day.
Additionally, as adult educators, we must aspire and yearn for high ideals and values. The life of Benjamin Franklin gives one examples of values to strive towards. Franklin "helped to create, and came to symbolize, a new political ordering which rights and power were not based on the happenstance of heritage but on merit and virtue and hard work" (492). Also important is Franklin's adage that "he could best serve God by serving his fellow man" (492). Furthermore many of Franklin's values not only benefit educators, but the nation as well. These consist of humor, wisdom, technological ingenuity, pluralistic tolerance, philosophical pragmatism and weaving together of individualism and community cooperation (492).
Furthermore, from a critical perspective, the author, Walter Isaacson, does a masterful job of sharing the life of Benjamin Franklin. The book may be too detailed and exhaustive for some readers. However, the author's style allows the reader to share the special and intense moments of Benjamin Franklin's life. First and foremost, the reader is absorbed into the context of a great American life. Second, the roots of adult education, perpetuated by Franklin, provide both inspiration and direction to the teachers and students of adult education. This book is a truly enjoyable experience. Scholars and non-scholars alike will appreciate Walter Isaacson's Benjamin Franklin: An American Life.
In closing, Benjamin Franklin's resolutions and forms of action provided the aspects for life as a rational creature. One of these resolutions testifies to the character and humanity of a great man and furthermore, a great American, "To endeavor to speak truth in every instance; to give nobody expectations that are not likely to be answered, but aim at sincerity in every word and action--the most amiable excellence in a rational being" (49).
References
Isaacson, W. (2003). Benjamin Franklin; An American Life. New York: Simon
And Schuster.
Knowles, M.S. (1977). The Adult Education Movement in the U.S. Malabar,FL: Robert E.
Krieger Publishing Co., pp 10-11.
Summary of Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
Benjamin Franklin is the founding father who winks at us, the one who seems made of flesh rather than marble. In this authoritative and engrossing full-scale biography, Walter Isaacson shows how the most fascinating of America's founders helped define our national character.In a sweeping narrative that follows Franklin's life from Boston to Philadelphia to London and Paris and back, Isaacson chronicles the adventures of the spunky runaway apprentice who became, during his 84-year life, America's best writer, inventor, media baron, scientist, diplomat, and business strategist, as well as one of its most practical and ingenious political leaders. He explores the wit behind Poor Richard's Almanac and the wisdom behind the Declaration of Independence, the new nation's alliance with France, the treaty that ended the Revolution, and the compromises that created a near-perfect Constitution.
Above all, Isaacson shows how Franklin's unwavering faith in the wisdom of the common citizen and his instinctive appreciation for the possibilities of democracy helped to forge an American national identity based on the virtues and values of its middle class.
Benjamin Franklin, writes journalist and biographer Walter Isaacson, was that rare Founding Father who would sooner wink at a passer-by than sit still for a formal portrait. What's more, Isaacson relates in this fluent and entertaining biography, the revolutionary leader represents a political tradition that has been all but forgotten today, one that prizes pragmatism over moralism, religious tolerance over fundamentalist rigidity, and social mobility over class privilege. That broadly democratic sensibility allowed Franklin his contradictions, as Isaacson shows. Though a man of lofty principles, Franklin wasn't shy of using sex to sell the newspapers he edited and published; though far from frivolous, he liked his toys and his mortal pleasures; and though he sometimes gave off a simpleton image, he was a shrewd and even crafty politician. Isaacson doesn't shy from enumerating Franklin?s occasional peccadilloes and shortcomings, in keeping with the iconoclastic nature of our time--none of which, however, stops him from considering Benjamin Franklin "the most accomplished American of his age," and one of the most admirable of any era. And here?s one bit of proof: as a young man, Ben Franklin regularly went without food in order to buy books. His example, as always, is a good one--and this is just the book to buy with the proceeds from the grocery budget. --Gregory McNamee
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