The first thing one needs to understand about Franklin’s system of freedom is that it is mechanical as opposed to philosophical. In America, we all too often think philosophically, tracing the roots of freedom from Greco/Roman republics and Judeo/Christian traditions. Franklin concentrated on how nature operates and how human beings behave. Much of the discovery of Franklin’s system came through discussions with my Chinese friends. They, of course, have no Greco/Roman/Judeo/Christian background whatsoever, but freedom is very possible there.
A mechanical system has components, it can be duplicated. We now know automobiles can be built anywhere in the world to the exact same standards. If you have the same soil and the same climate, a plant can grow anywhere. Create the conditions for freedom in a country and you will get…freedom.
Franklin’s system is incredibly simple, but it is different. He looked at things in a different way. Understanding and accepting his ideas might be difficult at first. A good analogy perhaps is the first time trying to ride a bicycle; hard at first, but once you “get it,” oh so simple.
I have produced two different but complementary ways of explaining Franklin’s system. One is an animated video. Ogden Coolside, a book seller, takes the viewer on a five part 12-minute voyage of explanation.
The other is a talk I gave to a group of interested citizens. It is 18 minutes in length and is similar to a TED talk. You can find it here (the password is franklin). The best way to learn the system is to watch both. There is a lot of information so please watch at a time and place where you won’t be interrupted.
Franklin gets to the “root cause,” while almost everyone else talks about symptoms. It is truly amazing as I read articles and watch videos, how many of the best pundits don’t know what they are talking about. “Competition, waste and ease” are incredibly important and powerful concepts and so is “being in the box.” You will understand after you watch the presentations. The nice thing is, once you learn the concepts you can’t “unlearn” them. My Chinese friends were quick to say, “We’re not in the box.”
I think every high schooler in the country should be taught Franklin’s system. The students would then have the defenses they need to fight the lies that are so often spewed by those in authority. More and bigger government is never the answer.