Benjamin Franklin's Living Descendant Shares His Life & Legacy

Kennedy Saves the World: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Benjamin Franklin's Living Descendant Shares His Life & Legacy
Host: Kennedy
Guest: Mark Skousen
Release Date: July 30, 2025

1. Introduction to Mark Skousen and His Work

Kennedy kicks off the episode by introducing Mark Skousen, a direct descendant of Benjamin Franklin, and the founder of Freedom Fest. Skousen is portrayed as an economist, professor, bestselling author, and a passionate Franklin enthusiast. The discussion centers around Skousen’s latest book, Benjamin Franklin: The World's Most Versatile Genius, which delves deep into Franklin’s multifaceted life.

Kennedy [00:09]: "The greatest American is Benjamin Franklin, according to one of his direct descendants, Mark Skousen."

2. Franklin’s Multifaceted Legacy

Skousen elaborates on why he considers Franklin the greatest American, highlighting Franklin's 22 different careers ranging from printer and publisher to diplomat and inventor. He emphasizes Franklin's adaptability and relevance, noting that Franklin's principles can still be applied to contemporary issues.

Skousen [02:07]: "I think he's endlessly fascinating... I've looked at all of the issues of today and probably the only issue that I can't find anything that Franklin wrote about was the transgender issue."

3. Franklin’s Personal Life and Views on Women

The conversation shifts to Franklin's personal life, particularly his relationships with women. Skousen discusses the debate over whether Franklin was a "ladies' man" or a "womanizer," noting that Franklin had a single illegitimate child but maintained meaningful intellectual relationships with women.

Kennedy [03:08]: "I didn't know what a prolific lover he was until I read your book."

Skousen [05:58]: "Franklin still, despite his diplomatic skills, he still had a lot of enemies... The Adams were very puritanical, there's no question about that."

4. Franklin’s Economic Policies and Innovations

Skousen delves into Franklin's economic strategies, such as his advocacy for fiat money in moderation and his clever approach to taxation through currency depreciation. He also highlights Franklin's role as a pioneer in charitable fundraising, introducing the concept of matching funds.

Skousen [13:06]: "Franklin raised the £2,000. And so that was the first matching fund."

Kennedy [14:26]: "They are progressives."

5. Franklin vs. Historical Critics

The discussion addresses criticisms of Franklin, particularly those from Murray Rothbard, who portrayed Franklin as an opportunist and criticized his political stances. Skousen counters these views by defending Franklin's contributions to America's success, especially his diplomatic efforts in securing French assistance during the Revolutionary War.

Skousen [09:29]: "Murray Rothbard... he calls Franklin an opportunist, a lecturer... the evidence just does not support it."

Kennedy [19:49]: "That's why John Adams is not the greatest American. It is Benjamin Franklin."

6. Franklin’s Technological Affinity and Modern Relevance

Skousen praises Franklin’s love for technology and innovation, speculating how Franklin would embrace modern advancements if he were alive today. He underscores Franklin's forward-thinking nature, from his inventions like the lightning rod and bifocals to his potential enthusiasm for contemporary technologies.

Skousen [14:28]: "Franklin loved technology... He'd be texting, he had the cell phones, he'd have the HDTV. He'd be streaming."

7. Franklin’s Family Legacy and Personal Traits

The conversation touches on Franklin’s family legacy, noting that while his descendants did not prosper materially, they inherited traits like left-handedness and intellectual curiosity. Skousen reflects on Franklin's enduring influence despite the lack of substantial material inheritance.

Kennedy [16:13]: "Did they prosper? Did that his descendants, illegitimate and otherwise, did they prosper after his death?"

Skousen [17:32]: "There's really nothing that we inherited except both of us are left-handed and few similarities there."

8. Franklin’s Diplomatic Prowess and National Impact

Skousen emphasizes Franklin’s critical role in securing French support during the American Revolution, contrasting his effective diplomacy with John Adams' disagreements. He credits Franklin with significant contributions that were pivotal to American independence.

Skousen [17:53]: "Franklin was actually a defender of central banking and the commercial society... he raised all the money, and then he was in charge of the Treaty of Paris."

Conclusion

Kennedy concludes the episode by reaffirming Benjamin Franklin's status as the greatest American, largely due to his versatility, innovation, and pivotal role in America's founding. He encourages listeners to explore Skousen's book to gain a deeper understanding of Franklin's enduring legacy.

Kennedy [19:49]: "That’s why John Adams is not the greatest American. It is Benjamin Franklin."

This episode offers an insightful exploration of Benjamin Franklin through the lens of his living descendant, Mark Skousen, highlighting Franklin's enduring relevance, personal complexities, and monumental contributions to America's foundation.