Ed's Blog

Book Dedication: Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
By Walter Isaacson
In May, 2003, I visited Philadelphia while attending the Information Resources Management Conference. Like most visitors to Philadelphia, I had to visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall and it was here that I happened to catch a very interesting tour guide. As she spoke about all of the history and events leading up to 1776, she naturally began to speak about Benjamin Franklin. After about 2 minutes of listening about Franklin, I was hooked. One of the tour guides descriptions of Franklin went something like this – “When you think about people, great people of history and talented men and women, you can usually summarize or describe them by understanding a few of their attributes or talents – she was a great scientist, or he was a great statesman. Most people are good at one or two things maybe. Benjamin Franklin was good at everything.”
Upon returning to Buffalo I immediately ran out (actually, I used the Internet) and bought a few books on Franklin. I had to know more about this amazing person. If I am forced to summarize Benjamin Franklin I would have to say he was a printer, a great scientist, a businessman, a great inventor, a civic leader, a writer, a philosopher, a diplomat, and America’s most important founding father – actually America’s founding Grandfather (he was 70 years old in 1776).
But, to summarize Franklin is to miss so much about the man - it is the details and personal touch of Franklin’s life that leaves the greatest impression. The best and most interesting book on Franklin is this book by Walter Isaacson. It’s a wonderful book for Canisius students and faculty because Franklin’s life embodies the importance of a well-rounded, Jesuit education. Franklin was always interested in everything and everyone. His incredible curiosity and intelligence led him in many directions but he always made an enormous impact in every endeavor. Despite his long and varied career, one thing always remained constant with Franklin – his goal of service to humanity.
Benjamin Franklin’s life is long and interesting, and incredibly productive. In fact he is such an intriguing figure in history because he was able to accomplish so much – you swear you cannot be reading about the life of just one man! I highly recommend this book to Canisius students and faculty since one can learn a great deal about leadership, personal responsibility, and life in general.

posted by Unknown @ 6:56 AM