April 15, 2004

ON MY BOOKSHELF

“Benjamin Franklin: An American Life”
By Walter Isaacson

Matt Bothwell, 23
Bothwell Construction vice president

The whole dot-com thing went pretty well. Opportunities in the tech industry restored a Wild West ideology, college dropouts became millionaires, Al Gore launched the Internet and Matt Bothwell graduated from Leland High School. Though lesser known, Bothwell's graduation may have more effect than even Gore's luck. Bothwell's a progressive dreamer.

“Nothing happens unless it's first a dream,” says Bothwell, referencing a quote by his favorite poet, Robert Frost. “I'm just out of college. I don't know exactly where I want to go with my career. But I care.”

And really, what's more important?

“There are a million paths to choose from,” said Bothwell, who, as the vice president of Bothwell Construction, a family run builder specializing in cellular communication facilities, will soon face critical management decisions as the communications industry continues to evolve. “I have ideas, and if I want to see them to reality I have to visualize and learn from others' mistakes.”

Most recently, Bothwell looked to Benjamin Franklin for surrogate advice, reading his biography, “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” by Walter Isaacson.

Isaacson's book paints an engaging portrait of a leading statesman that truly broke the mold. According to Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin was the only “statesman who would sooner wink at a passerby than pose for a formal portrait.” Apparently, Franklin exuded a personal plan and cutting sense of humor far more sophisticated than readily apparent in any history book. These traits allowed the inventor, business tycoon, and politician to become the most accomplished American of his age, according to Isaacson.

And, to Franklin, Isaacson's contention comes as no surprise. As a young adult, Franklin spent weeks and months preparing for success. One technique illustrated in “American Life” consisted of Franklin's charting traits he desired to improve upon. For example, Monday, he'd work on temperance, fasting throughout the day, saving grocery money to buy books. Tuesday, Franklin would avoid using cuss words. And so on.

“I really admire a man so dedicated to the pursuit of self-realization,” said Bothwell of Franklin. “I highly recommend this book to anybody interested in getting the most out of themselves. Franklin's story is so impressive because he came from very little but through self improvement and following his intuitions, he became one of the most influential Americans in history.”

As for Bothwell, no matter what he decides to put his energy into, success is sure to follow. He's enjoyed some sound advice.

— By Justin Petersen