Comments

People like Benjamin Franklin is an example of life for humanity.

For me Benjamin Franklin was a person truly commited with his life.

Such commitment is difficult to see it in our times.

Mr. Franklin decided to make his life a WOW project and he did it.

I stand up and give him a big applause for give this example.

Posted by Juan Miguel Robles Vargas at February 21, 2006 10:00 AM

He became famous for being a scientist, an inventor, a statesman, a printer, a philosopher, a musician, and an economist ... an amazing life well lived - wish he was with us these days.

Posted by Sean at February 21, 2006 12:16 PM

Great post, Tom! Not only Ben Franklin’s life was a WOW project, but he was the world’s first blogger!! Not so far a stretch, really. He pamphleteered, self-published, delivered colonial dish, news and opinion, sampled other's work and remixed it into his own mash. He wrote anonymously, or under pseudonyms. Instead of posting daily, he squirreled away his words and published them in an almanac. Doesn't this sound familiar?

I've attended a fascinating celebration of the Ben Franklin's birthday at the Wharton School last month with the grand title: Ben Franklin Forum on Innovation. The event has taken my respect for this great man to a whole new level! One word – WOW! The forum was surprising in many ways (not least of all because it organizer was Boston Consulting Group, which is not noted for its innovation). But it demonstrated Wharton's extraordinary ability to marshal the energy and money to attract top-notch innovation gurus (surprised not to see you there!!) The forum came with podcast that is an extraordinary value all by itself. Podcast is open to public, but free registration is required at - http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/index.cfm?fa=viewArticle&id=1397

Posted by Manny at February 21, 2006 2:38 PM

I would add that from my reading of Franklin biographies by Isaacson and Brands, Franklin was the first American open source technology promoter refusing for example the offer of exclusive rights to his famous Franklin stove.

"That as we enjoy great advantage from the inventions of others, we should be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours, and this we should do freely and generously." Ben Franklin.

And Manny's observation about Ben the first blogger is a WOW in and of itself!

Posted by Michael Wagner at February 21, 2006 10:35 PM

The thing that made Ben Franklin great is that he took risk. If he believed in something he did whatever it took to make that belief a reality. He had his share of problems, failures, and setbacks, but he stuck to his guns. He was a great believer in self education and one of the true great leaders. His life story is one well worth studying. Thanks.

Posted by Rocky at February 22, 2006 1:27 AM

You missed my birthday, too! At least I am in good company ;)

Posted by James Hathaway at February 22, 2006 9:57 AM

Actually Ben's birthday may not have been either Jan 17 nor Feb 24. Since the English colonies converted from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian on Sept 2, 1752 changing--by 12 days-- the following day to Sept 14, 1752, Ben's birth certificate would most likely show that he was born on Feb 12, 1752, not Feb 24. Assuming it were adjusted? How picky can we get? Right is right. You missed my birthday too. I'll be 77 tomorrow. Bill

Posted by Bill Moran at February 22, 2006 11:52 AM

Strike my previous e-mail, Ben's birthday in Julian time was Jan 5, 1752. I claim my entitlement to be wrong as risk-taker and innovator.

Posted by Bill Moran at February 22, 2006 12:06 PM

Bill!!! - Permission is granted from a risk-avoiding innovator and pragmatist! :-)

Also.... to avoid any confusion in 300 years time - May I humbly announce my correct birthday 30th June to all at, and associated with TP - all gifts and cards gratefully received - better still just send me money :-)

Sometimes I just think we take management, leadership and all that stuff too damn seriously!

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 22, 2006 12:36 PM

Trevor, shhh...

...don't give the game away. If the staff knew they could get along fine without us, we would all be on the dole. We have to protect our phony-baloney jobs!

;-)

Posted by Mike at February 23, 2006 7:55 AM

Manny & Michael, I love it!!! Ben as The First Blogger and the Father of Open Source!!!

Posted by tom peters at February 27, 2006 6:24 AM