
Benjamin Franklin
American polymath and statesman (1706–1790)
Common Themes
Videos Mentioning Benjamin Franklin

Knowledge Work: A Conversation with Cal Newport (Episode #363)
Sam Harris
A historical figure mentioned as a case study for traditional productivity methods.

181 - Viewing cancer through an evolutionary lens: a radically different approach to treatment
Peter Attia MD
An example of a scientist who observed a phenomenon (a storm moving against the wind) that contradicted intuitive linear thinking, illustrating the unreliability of intuition in complex systems.

Jack Kornfield — How to Overcome Apathy and Find Beautiful Purpose
Tim Ferriss
Cited for his quote 'What begins in anger ends in suffering'.

#AIS: Joe Lonsdale on the problem with higher education
All-In Podcast
Quoted for his view that heretics are virtuous men, possessing courage and other virtues necessary to challenge established norms.

Ep. 204: Working Less, Overthinking, and Deep Life Principles | Deep Questions Podcast
Cal Newport
American Founding Father, whose biography Cal Newport is reading. Mentioned for retiring at 43 to focus on science and higher value productions.

Mark Normand: Comedy! | Lex Fridman Podcast #255
Lex Fridman
Founding Father, whose anecdote about simplifying a sign for a hat store is used to illustrate the value of simplicity in comedy.

TOMS Founder Blake Mycoskie — Fear{less} with Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss
An American Founding Father, printer, and inventor, cited as an example of early marketing tactics by displaying himself as busy to attract customers.

The Angel Philosopher Naval Ravikant on Reading, Making Decisions, Habits, and the Purpose of Life
The Knowledge Project Podcast
A Founding Father known for his aphorisms, identified as a source of great mental models for decision-making and understanding how to live your life.

#68–Marty Makary, MD: US healthcare system—why it’s broken, how to fix it, & how to protect yourself
Peter Attia MD
A Founding Father of the United States, whose contributions were compared to Benjamin Rush's by President John Adams, with Rush's being considered greater in the context of patient advocacy.

How I Built The Tim Ferriss Show to 700+ Million Downloads (Featuring Chris Hutchins)
Tim Ferriss
Subject of a biography written by Walter Isaacson.

David Sinclair: Extending the Human Lifespan Beyond 100 Years | Lex Fridman Podcast #189
Lex Fridman
A historical figure David Sinclair would love to bring to the future to witness modern technological advancements like smartphones.

Vince Vaughn Interview | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)
Tim Ferriss
American Founding Father, inventor, writer, and diplomat, whose autobiography Vince Vaughn finds compelling for its insights into process, self-improvement, and diverse talents.

Ed Zschau — The Polymath Professor Who Changed My Life | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)
Tim Ferriss
Cited by Ed Zschau for the quote 'failing to prepare is preparing to fail,' embodying his philosophy on preparation. Also mentioned as a subject of children's biographies Ed Zschau read.

Mike Maples Jr Interview | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)
Tim Ferriss
An American polymath and Founding Father, mentioned by Tim Ferriss as a non-living mentor he has learned from.

Grant Sanderson: Math, Manim, Neural Networks & Teaching with 3Blue1Brown | Lex Fridman Podcast #118
Lex Fridman
Historical figure known for adopting rigorous schedules and productivity habits later in life.

Random Show — Fasting, Biohacking, and Tony Robbins | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)
Tim Ferriss
Historical figure mentioned for his method of using keys to enter a relaxed state for learning, a technique discussed in the 'Learning How to Learn' course.

Brandon Stanton Interview | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)
Tim Ferriss
His autobiography was one of the first books Brandon Stanton read, inspiring his focus on self-improvement and daily discipline; recommended as a starting point for those feeling stuck.

How to Thrive in an AI World, Tips for Life’s Darkest Hours, & The Art of Sabbaticals (4K)
Tim Ferriss
An American polymath whose daily logging habits are mirrored by Matt Mullenweg's use of Day One for dated entries and notes.

How to Be Tim Ferriss | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)
Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss expresses a desire to travel back in time to have drinks with Benjamin Franklin, admiring his willingness to be an amateur and his ability to make breakthroughs while not taking himself too seriously.

Elon, Trump & The Elite’s Trap: A Hidden Agenda To Hijack Freedom & Collapse America | Whitney Webb
Tom Bilyeu
Quoted regarding the trade-off between liberty and security, stating those who trade liberty for security ultimately have neither.

B.J. Novak Interview (Full Episode) | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)
Tim Ferriss
Historical figure BJ Novak aspires to be like, starting in comedy writing and achieving great things while maintaining wit.

Pavel Tsatsouline on the Science of Strength and the Art of Physical Performance | Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss
One of America's Founding Fathers, suggested by Pavel as a role model embodying the best of American history.

Kevin Kelly Interview: Part 3 (Full Episode) | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)
Tim Ferriss
Used as an example in a philosophical discussion, stating he 'invented' electricity.

Every Major System Is Breaking at the Same Time — A Tech Insider Balaji Maps What Comes Next
Tom Bilyeu
Founding Father of the United States, famous for his 'Join or Die' motto, highlighting the critical importance of unity for survival.