

#964
Mentioned in 22 episodes
Benjamin Franklin
An American Life
Book •
This biography by Walter Isaacson chronicles the life of Benjamin Franklin from his early days as a runaway apprentice to his later years as one of America's most influential Founding Fathers.
The book explores Franklin's contributions to science, politics, and literature, including his work on the Declaration of Independence, his diplomatic efforts in France, and his inventions such as bifocal glasses and the lightning rod.
Isaacson also delves into Franklin's personal life, including his relationships and his philosophical underpinnings that shaped American society.
The narrative highlights how Franklin helped forge the American national identity and his enduring relevance in the twenty-first century.
The book explores Franklin's contributions to science, politics, and literature, including his work on the Declaration of Independence, his diplomatic efforts in France, and his inventions such as bifocal glasses and the lightning rod.
Isaacson also delves into Franklin's personal life, including his relationships and his philosophical underpinnings that shaped American society.
The narrative highlights how Franklin helped forge the American national identity and his enduring relevance in the twenty-first century.
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Mentioned in 22 episodes
Mentioned by 

as one of Isaacson's books, covering personal stories and principles of striving for greatness.


Lex Fridman

3,088 snips
#395 – Walter Isaacson: Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Einstein, Da Vinci & Ben Franklin
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as a biography of Benjamin Franklin that Elon Musk found insightful.


David Senra

1,253 snips
#191 Naval Ravikant (A Guide to Wealth and Happiness)
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in the context of Benjamin Franklin's family and its influence.


David Senra

740 snips
#233 Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Max Levchin (PayPal)
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when discussing his reading habits as a child.

Ed Zschau

682 snips
#741: Jim Collins and Ed Zschau
Mentioned by George Raveling as one of his favorite authors, whose writing style he admires.

581 snips
#762: Coach George Raveling and Claire Hughes Johnson
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in the context of Thomas Mellon's inspiration from Benjamin Franklin's autobiography.


David Senra

409 snips
#283 Andrew Carnegie
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as a biography he read on Benjamin Franklin.


David Senra

388 snips
#221 Charlie Munger
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as a book he admires about Benjamin Franklin.


David Senra

309 snips
#200 James Dyson (Against the Odds)
Mentioned by 

as a great book about Benjamin Franklin.


Ben Wilson

217 snips
Benjamin Franklin
Mentioned by 

as a biography of Benjamin Franklin.


David Senra

188 snips
#271 Vannevar Bush (Engineer of the American Century)
Mentioned by 

as the source for his podcast episode on Benjamin Franklin.


David Senra

177 snips
#115 Ben Franklin: An American Life
Mentioned by 

, discussing Isaacson's biography of Benjamin Franklin and his emphasis on industry.


David Senra

152 snips
#247 Henry Flagler (Rockefeller's partner)
Mentioned by 

as a biography of Franklin previously discussed in episode 115.


David Senra

148 snips
#251 Ben Franklin and George Washington: The Founding Partnership
Mentioned by 

in relation to his biographies of Benjamin Franklin and Steve Jobs.


David Senra

114 snips
#157 The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution
Mentioned by 

as a book that changed his view on the greatest American of all time.


George Raveling

53 snips
The Man Who Helped Michael Jordan Win
Mentioned by 

as a book that spoke to him about Ben Franklin's entrepreneurial spirit.


Ken Rogoff

44 snips
Ep. 306: Ken Rogoff on Dollar Decline, Debt Worries and Fed Independence
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in relation to Benjamin Franklin's biography.


Tom Bilyeu

33 snips
Tom Bilyeu Q&A: Superhero Skills: Retirement Hacks & Mindset Tricks (Replay)
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as a great biography of Benjamin Franklin.

Anita Anand


William Dalrymple

31 snips
155. The Founding Fathers: Benjamin Franklin (Ep 5)
Mentioned by 

as the last book she read.


Condoleezza Rice

11 snips
Condoleezza Rice on Race, Russia, Freedom and Why America’s Best Days Are Still Ahead
Mentioned as the book the podcast will be primarily discussing in the episode.

Walter Isaacson On Ben Franklin