Lectures For Lifelong Learners!

Ben Franklin was much more than that avuncular fellow in the paintings. Before the Revolution he was the only American most Europeans had ever heard of – the “inventor” of electricity. He convinced the French to support the rebels with ships, leaders, soldiers, and money despite John Adams’ scathing criticism. He treated his biological family poorly while lavishing warmth and affection on others. He was ambitious, wily, brilliant, civic-minded, inventive, charming, and much more. He evolved from a young man on the rise to an elder statesman and left a legacy we need to appreciate.