If you’ve ever wanted a deeper appreciation for Benjamin Franklin – beyond the witty one-liners and the hundred-dollar bill – Mark Skousen’s The Greatest American is a read you’ll want on your shelf.
It’s part biography, part life manual, and 100% a celebration of the most pragmatic, self-made, and forward-thinking of our Founding Fathers.
Skousen doesn’t just tell Franklin’s story; he makes the case that Franklin’s ideas are exactly what we need more of in America today.
Right out of the gate, Skousen sets the tone by highlighting Franklin’s “modernity.”
While Franklin lived in the 1700s, the man could’ve been plucked out of today’s world and gotten right to work – founding startups, hosting a podcast, or launching a financial literacy movement.
This isn’t a stiff, textbook-style history lesson. It’s personal and accessible, written with genuine admiration and even a touch of humor.
That tone makes a huge difference. Skousen, himself a descendant of Franklin, isn’t afraid to mix in personal anecdotes, historical trivia, and philosophical reflection alongside well-researched fact.
One of the book’s strongest qualities is its structure. Skousen divides the content into themed sections: business, investing, science, economics, politics, and more.
Franklin’s 22 careers (yes, really – 22!) are treated not just as curiosities but as proof of the man’s tireless intellect and moral ambition.
The chapters are short, punchy, and loaded with takeaways. It’s easy to dip in and out, making it great for casual readers or busy professionals.
Conservative readers will find a lot to appreciate here.
Franklin believed in limited government, personal responsibility, thrift, and hard work. He promoted the American Dream before it even had a name.
And Skousen doesn’t shy away from applying those lessons to today’s culture.
There’s a clear but not preachy undertone that Franklin’s virtues – self-reliance, innovation, and civic duty – are antidotes to modern entitlement and bureaucratic overreach.
This is a book that celebrates the founding spirit, not just the founding moment.
Another standout section is on Franklin’s business acumen.
Skousen paints him as the original American capitalist: industrious, ethical, and always looking for ways to improve his life and his community. Franklin didn’t just make money – he used it to uplift others, fund public projects, and drive innovation.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just someone trying to be a little wiser with money, there’s practical inspiration to be found here.
Despite its strong ideological spine, the book doesn’t gloss over Franklin’s complexities.
Skousen acknowledges Franklin’s past ownership of slaves, his religious skepticism, and his sometimes rocky family life.
But rather than dwell on flaws, the book emphasizes Franklin’s remarkable ability to evolve – on slavery, faith, and personal conduct.
That growth is treated not as a liability but as further evidence of Franklin’s greatness. He wasn’t perfect, but he was constantly striving to be better.
Skousen’s writing is clear and often conversational. He includes plenty of quotes, stories, and context that make the book feel alive.
It’s not bogged down with academic jargon or overly dense arguments. And because it leans into Franklin’s humor, practicality, and optimism, it feels motivating rather than merely informative.
Is The Greatest American for everyone?
Maybe not. If you’re looking for a heavily critical, revisionist take on the Founders, this isn’t your book.
But if you believe, like Skousen clearly does, that we still have much to learn from the wisdom of our past, then this book is a resounding yes.
In sum, The Greatest American is a thoughtful, well-crafted, and thoroughly enjoyable tribute to Benjamin Franklin.
It honors his legacy not just by recounting what he did, but by urging us to live by the same values that made him a towering figure in American history.
If more Americans read this book – and took its lessons to heart – we might just get a little closer to the greatness Franklin envisioned.
The book won’t be available on Amazon or in bookstores until May 27, but you can order now directly at www.skousenbooks.com. Mark will autograph all copies and ship them at no extra charge within the US.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
