Book Review: Electrified Sheep
Filled with bizarre scientific experiments that sound a lot like science fiction, Alex Boese’s new book is fascinating, but not for the weak-stomached.
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Tag Archives: Benjamin Franklin
Political Debate
Of course, it would be interesting to know Benjamin Franklin’s opinion about a new, government-run health care program. But we believe he would want to address the issue of civil discourse before the problem concerning medical insurance.
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Charles Darwin
On February 12, 1809, two babies were born on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Both were destined to change the course of human history. One was Abraham Lincoln and the other, Charles Darwin. Both, in some small way, owed a part of their ultimate success to the writings of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. What would ... More
Obama’s Economic Stimulus
President Barack Obama, intent on gaining bipartisan support for his economic stimulus package, traveled from the White House to Capitol Hill for a meeting with congressional Republicans. What would Ben Franklin say about President Obama’s get-together with the opposition in Congress? Here’s what he once said: “If you would persuade, you must appeal to interest ... More
President Obama’s Inaugural Parade
What would he think about military units marching in close formation past the reviewing stand, their officers’ chins tucked in, smartly saluting a civilian whose only uniform in life was the one issued by his high school basketball team? Here’s what Ben Franklin would say: “Been thither, done that.” During the winter of 1755-56, Ben ... More
America’s First Black President Barack Obama
What would Benjamin Franklin say about America’s first black president? Here’s what he’d say: “I told you so!” Franklin, after all, both created the job of president and promoted the abolition of slavery, so Barack Obama’s inauguration represents the final conjunction of two of Franklin’s most significant contributions to life in America. Franklin first proposed ... More
Benjamin Franklin’s Thirteen Virtues
A set of values defined in 1741, in his own words. TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation. SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation. ORDER. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time. RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what ... More
Introducing the Benjamin Franklin Blog
On behalf of Benjamin Franklin, welcome to our blog. I’m honored that I was selected to speak for our illustrious Founding Father—to provide our readers with the patriot’s outlook on today’s happenings. Our weekly offering will, we hope, both enlighten and amuse everyone who navigates to it, either on purpose or by accident. Why, you ... More
