You Blew It, Skousen! Or Did I?

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle

“Too much of a good thing is wonderful.” — Mae West

Since publishing my new book, “THE GREATEST AMERICAN,” the reviews have overall been quite positive. The vast majority of readers give it five stars on Amazon. It’s already in its second printing.

But several readers have complained about a defect in the book: It’s repetitious!

Here is what one reader wrote on Amazon:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but author repeats himself over-and-over-and-over…

Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2025

Verified Purchase

I give this 3-stars, not because it is a bad book, on the contrary, it is a good book and very informative. I learned things about Franklin that I did not know. However, the author kept repeating the same facts over-and-over-and-over from one chapter to the next. What took 350+ pages, could have been half the size and still stated the exact same message. It’s a good read and I would not tell anyone not to read it, but be aware of a lot of repeated facts and stories.

In response to this complaint, I had my assistant, Ned Piplovic, pour over the entire book to see how often I repeated facts and quotes about Franklin. He confirmed that I had indeed frequently duplicated quotes from Franklin and stories about his life, sometimes two or three times.

The reason? My book consists of 80 chapters, most of which was originally published as monthly columns in the Franklin Prosperity Report, published by Newsmax. So some repetition was inevitable.

When I edited the manuscript, I noticed the duplication of Franklin stories and quotations, and eliminated some of them. Maybe I could have edited out more.

‘Repetition Is the Mother of Learning’

But most of them I kept on purpose. Why? Because these quotes and stories are worth repeating in today’s world of political, financial and economic blunders by our leaders and even us citizens.

An old Latin maxim is worth repeating: “Repetitio est mater studiorum.” That is, “repetition is the mother of learning.”

Indeed, the phrase reflects the emphasis placed on repetition and memorization in Roman education. The idea behind it was echoed by classical thinkers like the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

The sentiment was also a key element of classical education, where memorization of passages from literature was crucial.

Here Are Some Quotes Worth Memorizing

Let’s review some of the Franklin sayings that are worthy of repetition and memorization:

“There’s much revenue in economy” and “no revenue is sufficient without economy.” These two quotes should be on the desk of every legislator, president, business leader and citizen. We don’t need to increase revenue or raise taxes to solve our problems; better to economize and spend our money more carefully.

“The used key is always bright.” All retirees should keep this saying in mind. If you want to live long, stay active and be anxiously engaged in good causes.

“America will, with God’s blessing, become a great and happy country.” Too many pundits are pessimistic about the future of America, think that our best days are behind us and the American dream is dead. Not so! Remember Franklin’s symbol of America on the eagle silver dollars: the rising sun!

“The system of America is commerce with all, and war with none.” This statement is highly idealistic, but worth remembering in today’s world of protectionism and conflict.

“A virtuous and industrious people may be cheaply governed.” Do we have cheap government today, and if not, what does that say about us as a virtuous and industrious people?

“Being out of debt myself my credit could not be shaken by any run upon me.” A well-diversified portfolio and large cash position in sound banks will limit your losses and protect you from any financial crisis.

“Our cause is the cause of all mankind. God grant that not only the love of liberty but a thorough knowledge of the rights of man may pervade all nations of the earth so that a philosopher may set his foot anywhere on its surface and say, this is my country!” — The principles of liberty and the Constitutional law are universal and should be learned by all good people.

“It is incredible the quantity of good that may be done in a country by a single man who will make a business of it.” Business can be a great source of wealth, influence, excitement and satisfaction.

“The years roll round and the last will come; when I would rather have it said, He lived usefully, than, he died rich.” Amen!

Why My Book Is Different

Is reading my book worth your time? Consider this:

Hundreds of books have told the rags-to-riches story of Ben Franklin. But my book is all about what you can learn from Franklin’s incredible career of 84 years as a businessman, entrepreneur, investor, consumer, diplomat, banker, economist, minister, fundraiser, economist, writer, soldier, medical doctor, presidential advisor, world traveler, legislator and public servant — and yes, even a family man!

Is there anyone out there who could not benefit from Dr. Franklin’s advice?

What makes a good consultant and personal advisor? Somebody who has real-world experience. And no one comes close to having experienced everything in life like this founding father. I came up with 22 careers that Franklin practiced in his lifetime!

He deserves to be on the $100 bill because his advice is worth more than any other president or founding father.

Having a Beer with Ben Franklin

Of all the founders, who would you like to sit down and have a beer with? Franklin wins, hands down. If you asked George Washington why he never had any children, the reserved Virginian would refuse to answer. If you asked Thomas Jefferson about his relationship with his slave Sally Hemings, he would consider it a highly inappropriate question. If you spent time with John Adams, you would end up in a verbal fight.

But Franklin always felt comfortable talking to anyone, from a struggling tradesman to the king of France. He was always, shall we say, “frank.” In his Autobiography, he confessed his “hard to govern passions” and his “errata” in life by siring an illegitimate boy named William (known as “Billy”).

His love life and amorous affairs with women are covered in the scandalous chapter, “On Love, Sex and Marriage: Franklin’s Hard to Govern Passions.” (This chapter was in part a proposed column in Newsmax’s Franklin Prosperity Report, but was censored and rejected by the conservative publisher. But it’s reproduced in my book! See chapter 27.)

By the way, one of Franklin’s famous lines is supposed to be, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” It’s one of many fake quotes on the internet. He actually preferred wine over beer. See my chapter 66, “Franklin Said What?!” on a long list of misquotes.

On Business, Personal Finance and Investing

The first 22 chapters of my book are Franklin’s advice on being a successful businessman and investor. As an entrepreneur, Franklin learned how to stay ahead of the competition, be cost-conscious (“there is much revenue in economy”) and how to grow your business without taking on too much debt or risk.

He wrote, “A man’s industry and frugality will pay his debts and get him forward in the world… Business not well managed ruins one faster than no business.”

Franklin was so successful as a printer and publisher that he retired at age 42, allowing him to devote the rest of his life to scientific pursuits and public service.

He learned the value of retained earnings and adopting high levels of savings during the good times, so that when the bad times came, he survived, and then profited when the economy turned around.

When he lost his job as colonial agent, he was earning £1,800, a substantial sum, but he was able to live on his investment income that he had saved up over the years.

What did he think of prophets of doom and gloom? See chapter 20, “On Doomsayers and Fear Mongering.”

For more on Franklin as a financial guru, read this review by Alex Green (Oxford Club) here: Financial Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin.

Franklin as an Economist

Franklin was also America’s first economist. When he was a printer in Philadelphia, he supported the printing of paper money because the British restricted the use of specie (gold and silver coins) in the colonies. He was also America’s first crony capitalist, because he won the government contract to print the paper money in Pennsylvania!

But he learned during the American Revolution that “too much paper money” was bad for the economy.

He was also a devoted follower of Adam Smith and a “free trader.” “No nation was ever ruined by trade,” he said. President Donald Trump could learn a thing or two from Franklin’s views on tariffs.

See chapter 31, “On the Benefits of Free Trade.”

Franklin believed in limited government and low taxes. “A virtuous and industrious people may be cheaply governed,” he wrote. Worth repeating!

I have a cool chapter 29, “Benjamin Franklin: Adam Smith’s Invisible Hand?”

He would be appalled by the size and scope of government in today’s welfare state. He wrote, “I am quite of the opinion that our independence is not quite complete till we have discharged our public debt.” Is anyone listening Washington?

I even have a final chapter on “Franklin and His Critics.” And my response.

Franklin as a Diplomat and Public Servant

Ken Burns considers Franklin “America’s greatest diplomat.” But it took time for him to learn the skill of diplomacy. He used to get into heated arguments with legislators and business people. He turned an enemy into a friend by borrowing one of his books, and returning it.

He decided “never to speak ill of anyone” in public, but learned to listen to others, and see where they could agree. He would write angry letters, but then never send them.

Elon Musk and Donald Trump could learn from chapter 64, “On Winning Friends and Influencing People.”

He was so successful as a fundraiser that he singlehandedly convinced the French to loan millions to the Americans during the War of Independence, the only commissioner to France to do so.

See chapter 61, “On Fundraising.” A must read for anyone running a non-profit organization.

Franklin on Religion

Franklin’s views on religion changed over the years. He was considered a heretic and religious skeptic by his friends. He was not a regular churchgoer, although he supported financially most churches in Philadelphia and was an active Mason. But the American Revolution changed his views from a deist to an active theist, stating before the Constitutional Convention in 1784, “God governs in the affairs of men.”

He believed in good works more than a good sermon. He wrote a friend, “Doubtlessly, faith has its use in the world; I do not desire to see it diminished, nor would I endeavor to lessen it in any man. But I wish it were more productive of good works than I have generally seen: I mean real good works, works of kindness, charity, mercy and public spirit; not holiday-keeping, sermon-reading or hearing, performing church ceremonies or making long prayers, filled with flatteries and compliments, despised even by wise men, and much less capable of pleasing the Deity.”

See chapter 67, “On the Benefits of a Useful Religion.”

It Makes a Great Coffee Table Book

“The Greatest American” can serve as an ideal coffee table book.

He can bring us together as friends, neighbors and citizens. When you finish reading it, put it on your coffee table and see what people say.

How to Buy My Book at a Discount

In an age of divisiveness and the image of the “Ugly American” returning abroad, now more than ever we need Dr. Franklin’s sage advice.

“THE GREATEST AMERICAN” is 380 pages and published by Republic Books and distributed by Simon & Schuster.

Here’s my press release: Mark Skousen, America’s Economist, Revives Ben Franklin’s Wisdom for Today’s President — World News Report — EIN Presswire.

The hardback, e-book and audiobook are now available online at The Greatest American: Benjamin Franklin, History’s Most Versatile Genius by Mark Skousen on Amazon. Feel free to write a review on Amazon.

Many subscribers are buying multiple copies as gifts to friends, relatives and clients. You pay only $24 for the first copy, $19 for all additional copies at Skousen Books at Discount. All copies are autographed and mailed at no extra charge inside the 50 states.

I’ve had many investors buy two, four, 10, 15 and even 24 copies at a time.

John Mackey (former CEO, Whole Foods Market) says, “Of all the Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin is my favorite. He was America’s first conscious capitalist, achieving financial independence by meeting the needs and well-being of his customers. He then used his wealth to improve the community and played a crucial role in saving the country during its darkest hours. More than any other writer, Mark Skousen illustrates why Franklin has come to be regarded, both by citizens and historians, as the greatest American.”

P.S. I will be holding a special, subscribers-only teleconference along with Tim Skousen, on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 2:00 P.M. EST, where we will be discussing “How we Beat the Magnificent Seven & Why The Tech Rally Will Continue.” It is free to attend but you must register here to be able to attend. Don’t miss out!

You Nailed It!

Cracker Barrel Goes Modern

My wife and I have always been fans of Cracker Barrel restaurants and frequent them often when we are on road trips.

We had not been to a newly designed store before all the criticism came out about changing the stores logo and inside design, and losing its traditional, cozy Southern charm. President Donald Trump and other Republicans complained that the new logo erased the brand’s heritage, especially the iconic “Uncle Herschel” figure. The company quickly reversed course and has restored the old logo.

Before making a judgment, my wife and I visited a newly designed Cracker Barrel, and, frankly, we liked the new look both inside and out.

In many ways, it was cleaner, less cluttered and more modern looking. It was really quite nice. The menu was the same, although they had increased their prices (like other restaurants). You could even buy the T-shirts with the old logo on them. Overall, we gave a thumbs up, and there was NO evidence of wokeness anywhere. They even had a deer head and rifle on display.

We’ll be back.

Good investing, AEIOU,

Mark Skousen