Franklin came from a Puritan Christian background and came to embrace the Enlightenment that spawned the modern age. He became an indentured servant working with his hands as a printer only later to become a philosopher, scientist, and diplomat. He began life as a loyal British subject and colonist only to become an American patriot and leader in the movement for Independence. He believed in making a living through hard work but also was a genius in the nuanced art of diplomacy. He went through a time in life when he had no means to become a wealthy man who knew how to use his influence to change the world. He could be extremely arrogant and in love with the sound of his own voice but he also learned to be humble when it served his purposes and the purposes of the country that he loved. He was capable of great love and affection and also held a strong grudge against his son whom he left out of his will. He was extremely curious and made advances in science that are the building blocks for modern scientific knowledge today. He loved to drink expensive wine and to eat rich food, yet Franklin wrote about the value of living a frugal life. He was enamoured with British and French high culture and yet spurned all of this in order to convey a uniquely primitive American persona in order to advance the cause of Independence. He seemed to genuinely love his wife but spent many years away from her in England and France. He benefited from the slave trade in his business and yet later became the only founding father to denounce it and become an outspoken abolitionist.
I could go on and on about Benjamin Franklin, but hopefully I've conveyed the incredible complexity and true gift to the world that he was. I feel like I want to read and learn more about the amazing Mr. Franklin after watching this excellent program.
I hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
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