Podcast Summary: ON CRISPR – Introducing Season 2: ON Benjamin Franklin with Walter Isaacson

Podcast: ON CRISPR: The Story of Jennifer Doudna with Walter Isaacson
Episode: Introducing Season 2: ON Benjamin Franklin
Date: August 22, 2024
Host: Evan Ratliff
Guest: Walter Isaacson

Overview

This special preview episode pivots from the scientific breakthroughs of Jennifer Doudna (Season 1, CRISPR) to the multifaceted genius of Benjamin Franklin, the subject of Season 2. Journalist Evan Ratliff and acclaimed biographer Walter Isaacson set the stage for a deep exploration of Franklin’s life, myth, inventions, political influence, and enduring relevance. The conversation highlights Franklin’s self-made mythos, historical achievements, and the complexities often glossed over in standard biographies.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The American Spirit of Franklin (00:01–00:09)

• Opening with a Quote:
  Walter Isaacson recites:
  "Any trampling over my rights makes my blood boil exceedingly. That's how you know I'm an American."
  — Benjamin Franklin (00:01)

• Contextual Framing:
  Evan Ratliff notes these are Franklin’s words, tying individual rights to an enduring American ethos.

2. Public Perception vs. Historical Reality (00:09–00:25)

• Breaking the Stereotypes:
  Isaacson and Ratliff challenge the "doddering dude flying a kite" image, emphasizing that Franklin’s electricity experiments were among the era’s most significant discoveries.

• Franklin’s Self-Generated Myth:
  "One of Franklin's greatest inventions is the character of Ben Franklin. I mean, he was never early to bed and early to rise type person."
  — Walter Isaacson (00:25)

3. Franklin's Many Facets (00:35–01:13)

• Season Theme Introduction:
  Ratliff positions Franklin as a figure "desperate to be dusted off from history," poised for re-appraisal.

• Business Acumen & Scientific Innovation:
  Isaacson highlights Franklin’s media empire and science:

  • "His media empire makes him the most successful self made business person in America." (00:52)
  • Franklin mapping the Gulf Stream almost identically to current NASA depictions.

• Franklin’s Hedonistic Side:
  "He loves leading the good life, even playing chess while he's in the bathtub with one of his mistresses."
  — Walter Isaacson (01:07)

4. Inventor, Writer, Celebrity, and Symbol (01:13–01:45)

• Franklin’s Roles:

  • As creator of Poor Richard and newspapers (01:16–01:18).
  • As a scientist who questioned old dogmas ("They would consecrate the bells of churches... but the lightning kept striking church steeples, and Franklin said, maybe we should try some other theory of it." — Isaacson, 01:23).

• International Celebrity:

  • "Crowds turn out and women start wearing their hair in what was called the coiffure à la Franklin."
    — Walter Isaacson (01:38)

5. Political Influence and the Founding Documents (01:45–01:59)

• Founding Father Status:
  Franklin’s unique involvement in all four foundational documents of the U.S.

• Morally Complex Life:
  Ratliff and Isaacson introduce less comfortable elements—Franklin’s illegitimate son, shifting political allegiances.

6. Franklin’s Legacy and Character (02:07–02:22)

• A Life of Influence:
  Living to 84, Franklin became "the sage of Philadelphia" — admired for bringing people together and embodying democratic spirit.

7. The Heart of Democracy & Voluntary Leadership (02:22–02:38)

• A Memorable Reflection:
  "The only other person who could have possibly been the first president would have been Benjamin Franklin. But he's too old and wants Washington to do it voluntarily. Forsaking power is at the heart of what a democracy is."
  — Walter Isaacson (02:22)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Self-invention:
  "One of Franklin's greatest inventions is the character of Ben Franklin."
  — Walter Isaacson (00:25)

• Scientific Daring:
  "Maybe we should try some other theory of [lightning]."
  — Walter Isaacson (01:23)

• Cultural Influence:
  "Women start wearing their hair in what was called the coiffure à la Franklin."
  — Walter Isaacson (01:38)

• Leadership by Example:
  "Forsaking power is at the heart of what a democracy is."
  — Walter Isaacson (02:22)

Structure and Tone

• The conversation is playful, fast-paced, and rich in anecdote, blending Isaacson's storytelling skill with Ratliff's probing questions.
• Both speakers push listeners to reconsider Franklin not just as a Founding Father, but as a multi-layered, modern figure whose choices, contradictions, and appetite for self-promotion remain relevant.

Recommended Listening Points

• 00:01 — Opening Franklin quote (American rights)
• 00:25 — The strategic self-invention of Franklin
• 00:52 — Franklin as a business magnate and scientist
• 01:16 — Franklin's creative output as writer, inventor, scientist
• 01:38 — Franklin’s international celebrity status
• 01:48 — Franklin’s pivotal political contributions
• 02:07 — Reflection on Franklin’s latter years and legacy
• 02:22 — Discussion of democratic leadership

Final Note

This episode is an enticing primer for the upcoming season, promising a fresh, multidimensional portrait of Benjamin Franklin. With Isaacson’s insight and Ratliff’s journalistic curiosity, listeners are set to uncover both neglected corners and enduring wisdom from Franklin’s long, electric life.

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