Ben & Me, Eric Weiner

Not your usual biography, more of a guide to living, thinking well, and being useful. Eric’s curiosity about Franklin took him to the road to follow the path Franklin made here in the states and in Europe. A founder who has much to teach about the secrets to living a long and useful life. Franklin was taken out of school at age 10 by his father. No reason given. Fortunately, they lived in Boston at the time so Ben was born into a bookish community. When Franklin arrived to the city of cities in the colonies- Philadelphia – was in his late teens. Franklin had nothing yet opposed handouts, fearing thy created dependency and encouraged idleness and prodigality. He believed in helping one teach a skill instead.

Franklin believed the basics to becoming a better human being: pay what you owe; say what you mean; focus on what matters; treat people kindly. The highest priority is helping humanity then country, then friends, and finally yourself. He would daily ask himself, “what good shall I do today?” He had an outside-in philosophy to self-improvement.

He invented, started groups (Junto club for example) in order to have interesting, thoughtful, and more engaging conversation. Small talk not allowed (Yes!!!).

Franklin retired at 42 to devote himself to his electrical experiments and then public service. Ben became a ‘rebel’ leaking letters confirming the worst fears about British intentions. He listened to the past knowing history can teach us today. Franklin’s son William was a loyalist, became a British spy, and his relationship with his father became tarnished the remainder of their lives. The sections on his work in France are extremely interesting and his influence was the reason why France agreed to help us when the war against the British and gain our freedom.

Franklin was accepted his age, celebrated it even. He owed his life to being vigor – being useful, being purposeful. This book is the same.