History

Benjamin Franklin

Walter Isaacson · 2003

Lindy Score

6,809·Classic

23 yrs

Age

4

Endorsers

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Why it endured

The definitive biography of America's founding entrepreneur — printer, scientist, inventor, diplomat, and Founding Father. Isaacson shows how Franklin's genius was fundamentally practical: he wanted to understand the world so he could improve it. The perfect model for the modern maker.

What they're saying

4 people recommend this book

Bill GatesCo-founder of Microsoft

Franklin's life is an argument that curiosity and hard work are enough to change history.

Gates Notes

Warren BuffettCEO of Berkshire Hathaway

Franklin's autobiography is one of the great self-improvement texts. His 13 virtues program still holds up.

Interview

Elon MuskCEO of Tesla & SpaceX

Franklin was a polymath inventor and statesman — the closest thing to a Renaissance man in American history.

Interview

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