Former 'Time' ed praises Franklin

You probably don't think of our founding fathers as a cool, fun bunch. Intelligent, probably. Historically significant, sure. But not the type you'd grab a beer with after class, right?

Wrong, according to veteran journalist and author Walter Isaacson, who spoke on his recent book Benjamin Franklin: An American Life last night in Zellerbach Theatre.

Franklin was a very real person, with a witty sense of humor and humanistic flaws, the former managing editor of TIME Magazine and chairman and CEO of CNN said.

"Not as unapproachable as George Washington or Adams," Isaacson explained.

Instead, he described Franklin as "a spunky, self-taught guy... a cheeky kid, the best, most popular and funniest writer" and "someone with a spunky, conversational style of humor."

Isaacson also touched on Franklin's practical side, as one who constantly asked, "What works? What's most pragmatic?" in given situations.

Franklin once said that he'd rather have lived usefully than die rich.

But Franklin was far from perfect, according to Isaacson. The founding father kept slaves in the early part of his life, had a host of marital issues and maintained a fiery relationship with his illegitimate son William.

"He's got real flaws," Isaacson explained, citing his attraction to the historical figure.

Still, Franklin had monumental achievements throughout his lifetime -- including founding Penn in 1751, Isaacson said. Unlike other elite universities, Penn was formed to help all young people engage in real-world problem solving.

"I do think that the University of Pennsylvania has lived up to that ideal," Isaacson said.

College senior Christina Schoppert, who attended yesterday's lecture, wasn't so sure.

"I don't know if Penn is as much like the place Benjamin Franklin wanted it to be," she said.

After Isaacson's formal presentation, History Professor Bruce Kuklick joined him in a dialogue onstage.

While Kuklick gave Isaacson's book a positive review, he also cautioned against using history as a standard from which to judge the present.

"I love these dead white males," he said, "but there's a limited amount you can get out of them."

College sophomore Bradley Feingerts found Kuklick's comments to be the most insightful part of the event.

"Isaacson reiterated what was in his book," Feingerts said. "I learned more from the history professor and their dialogue."

The event, which drew several hundred students, alumni and faculty, was sponsored by the School of Arts and Sciences, the McNeil Center for Early American Studies and the Fox Forum.

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