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Was Benjamin Franklin America’s First Scientist?

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Sep 30, 2025

Guest

Mark Skousen

Mark Skousen, a renowned economist and author, shares his insights as a descendant of Benjamin Franklin. He discusses Franklin's groundbreaking contributions to science and economics, including his experiments with mesmerism and electricity. Skousen compares Franklin's forward-thinking views on commerce and currency with those of Jefferson, and debates Franklin's evolving positions on slavery and race. They explore how Franklin's principles apply to modern issues, such as fiscal conservatism and immigration, making his legacy relevant in today’s world.

01:29:22

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ANECDOTE

Franklin’s Air Baths And Open-Window Habit

Mark Skousen recounts Franklin's eccentric 'air baths' and sleeping with windows open as personal habits.
Franklin once shared a bed with John Adams and argued for fresh cold air, illustrating his unconventional routines.

insights

INSIGHT

Franklin’s Mesmerism Tests Prefigure Placebos

Michael Shermer highlights Franklin's controlled testing of Mesmerism as an early placebo experiment.
Franklin used sham-magnetized objects and showed subjects' responses depended on suggestion, foreshadowing modern placebo research.

insights

INSIGHT

Early Retirement Fueled Franklin’s Versatility

Skousen emphasizes Franklin retired from business at 42, then used leisure to pursue science, civic projects, and many careers.
Financial independence enabled Franklin's wide-ranging public contributions and inventions.

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Mark Skousen’s Franklin lineage and personal similarities

01:21 • 1min

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Franklin’s memorable maxims and daily habits

02:41 • 3min

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Did Franklin abandon his wife or vice versa?

06:00 • 1min

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How Franklin tested mesmerism and scientific skepticism

07:21 • 3min

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The kite experiment and Franklin as a pioneering scientist

10:36 • 1min

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Franklin’s many careers and retirement-enabled pursuits

12:02 • 2min

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Franklin versus Jefferson: commerce, cities, and paper money

14:13 • 2min

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Would Franklin support a central bank and modern policies?

16:22 • 3min

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Why the Founders formed a remarkable cluster of talent

19:20 • 1min

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Franklin, Adam Smith, and advocacy for free trade

20:36 • 2min

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Paper currency, fiat money, and multi-currency challenges

22:46 • 2min

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Franklin’s longevity, health, and religious views

24:56 • 7min

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How Franklin influenced the Declaration’s wording

31:55 • 4min

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Enlightenment ideas behind American political innovations

36:23 • 8min

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Constitutional balance, monetary limits, and preventing monarchy

43:59 • 4min

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Franklin’s proposals for executive structure and fear of power

47:31 • 59sec

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Would Franklin view modern parties as a threat to liberty?

48:30 • 4min

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Franklin’s diplomacy in France and securing French support

52:25 • 3min

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Franklin’s evolving views on slavery and race

55:35 • 4min

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Franklin’s attitudes toward women, personal life, and candor

59:52 • 3min

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Economic debates on slavery and historical profitability

01:02:53 • 1min

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Franklin’s experiments with long-term bequests and compound interest

01:04:19 • 2min

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Evaluating Franklin’s 13 virtues and self-focused morality

01:06:46 • 4min

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Franklin’s civic projects: libraries, hospitals, and the Junto

01:10:41 • 1min

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Private charity versus government welfare and fiscal prudence

01:11:56 • 4min

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Franklin’s financial conservatism and views on spending

01:16:14 • 26sec

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How Franklin might view Bitcoin and new monetary technologies

01:16:40 • 4min

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Franklin’s guidance on private enterprise over government careers

01:20:19 • 2min

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Franklin’s likely stances on immigration and foreign policy

01:22:27 • 3min

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Was Franklin politically conservative or cosmopolitan today?

01:25:56 • 2min

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Framing The Greatest American: book format and aims

01:27:57 • 48sec

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Addressing Franklin’s critics and contested legacy

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Michael Shermer sits down with economist and Franklin descendant Dr. Mark Skousen to explore the wit, wisdom, and modern relevance of Benjamin Franklin, the man who bridged science, politics, and philosophy like no other. Shermer and Skousen discuss Franklin’s contributions to science, moral philosophy, economics, and religious thought, while asking: What would Franklin make of today’s America—its economy, politics, and culture?

Mark Skousen holds the Doti-Spogli Chair of Free Enterprise at Chapman University. Known as “America’s Economist,” he is the editor of Forecasts & Strategies, an award winning investment newsletter, and producer of FreedomFest, “the world’s largest gathering of free minds.” He is the author of over 25 books, incl. his latest, The Greatest American: Benjamin Franklin, The World’s Most Versatile Genius.

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