**Ben Franklin: America’s Favorite Founding Father**
In the grand narrative of American history, few figures shine as brightly as Benjamin Franklin. Recently, Dr. Mark Scousin, an enthusiastic economist and author, threw his hat in the ring, declaring Franklin the greatest American in his new book, *The Greatest American*. As if naming Franklin as the greatest does not spark enough lively debate on family dinner tables across America, Scousin also aims to enlighten readers about the greatness of Franklin in a fresh, modern context.
Scousin, currently basking in the Mediterranean sun on a cruise, argues that Franklin was nothing short of a genius whose intellect and curiosity could hold its own against the brightest minds of our day. After all, if Franklin were around today, he would likely appreciate modern technology just as much as the inventions he championed in his own time. Scousin paints a picture of Franklin as a man ahead of his time, quite literally generating electricity while others were still focused on the fundamentals of candle-making. Franklin’s flair for innovation made him the Elon Musk of his day, although with a touch more whimsy and far less crowd-surfing.
The pages of Scousin’s book are filled with rich details that highlight Franklin’s relevance to today’s issues. With 80 chapters, he dives into topics like trade, taxes, inflation, and even the fight against inequality. Franklin, a true jack-of-all-trades, was able to bridge the gap between social classes, chatting with everyone from kings to janitors. Imagine a Founding Father who could share a pint with you at a bar while effortlessly discussing politics and science in the same breath—that’s Franklin for you!
However, like any great figure, Franklin’s life had its ups and downs, including a few unsavory moments. His reputation as a notorious flirt and womanizer is often discussed, and Scousin doesn’t shy away from those details. The complexity of his relationship with his wife, Deborah, is laid bare. Many might believe that Franklin abandoned her, but the truth is more nuanced. Scousin explains that while the couple did separate during Franklin’s time in London, it was largely due to Deborah’s fear of the seas, paralleling modern-day fears of flying. Despite their differences, their love endured, and they remained connected right through to the end of their lives, being buried side by side.
And let’s not forget the poignant story of Franklin’s son, William, who rebelled against his father during the American Revolution. As the British loyalist, William raised funds to oppose Franklin’s ideals, creating a rift so deep that Franklin struggled to reconcile it. In an emotional letter, he expressed his pain and disappointment, declaring that this betrayal was too much to forgive. This story is a poignant reminder that even the most revered figures in history dealt with family drama just like the rest of us.
In conclusion, *The Greatest American* serves as a rich tribute to a man whose legacy continues to inspire. Scousin’s work not only ignites discussion about who truly deserves the title of “greatest American”—spoiler alert: Franklin is a front-runner—but also illuminates the enduring relevance of Franklin’s ideas and character. So whether you take up the book for a light read or to fuel a debate with your family, be prepared to discover a man whose wit and wisdom can leave anyone, from kids to folks well past their bedtime, questioning how a Founding Father could be more relatable than they ever imagined!
