A little fortunate by birth, opportunistic, hardworking and diligent, a self serving, or self preserving personality, to move himself forward. (American Traits.)

Willing to compromise, to see opportunity, to cross an ocean by age 20 and then back. To find himself in the favor of local, then regional government. A British government. Then an American government.

However – at the same time, running away, going behind his brothers back, chasing business dreams and endeavors, child out of wed lock, marrying, more business dealings, wealth, governmental ladder climbing – back to England, family abandonment, becoming a whole new person and quite enjoying it … (American)

Then one last stab at keeping the Colonies and the British together … laughed out of Britain for being American, opening others mail, writing and releasing information, a low life. (American) His inventions on science, with no patents, is like a stadium or a library – for the “greater good”. Then there is Slavery, had slaves, wouldn’t speak against it, once he had his Republic, then went against it. (American)

The icing on the cake, he was affable – enjoyable – he balanced – EI / with IQ and EQ – knew timing, luck, and was willing to sell part of his soul, through necessary compromise. Talking, living, and being able to speak from both sides of one’s mouth is a supreme quality. (So American)

There are no success stories without sad chapters. None.

Ben Franklin / Ken Burns