"Time is Money": How Ben Franklin's Sayings Created American Capitalism and Grind Culture

"Time is Money": How Ben Franklin's Sayings Created American Capitalism and Grind Culture

From Business History by Pushkin Industries

June 3, 2026 · 44 min · Season 1 · Episode 29

About this episode

The episode explores Benjamin Franklin's influence on American capitalism and grind culture through his writings on work and wealth.

Benjamin Franklin had a full life - he was a scientist, statesman, and a Founding Father. But we're looking at the huge impact he had as a writer of best-selling business books. Franklin first picked up the pen as a poor, downtrodden teenager to write satire, but as he became richer and more successful he instead shared his entrepreneurial insights with the public.    His sayings about time-wasting, thrift and the rewards of hard work were revolutionary. And both his admirers and critics claim his writings caused a profound global shift in how we think about work and wealth.  Write to us at  businesshistory@pushkin.fm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Pushkin Industries

Topics covered

  • American capitalism
  • Grind culture
  • Benjamin Franklin
  • Entrepreneurial insights
  • Work and wealth

Keywords

  • Benjamin Franklin
  • capitalism
  • grind culture
  • entrepreneurship
  • business books

More episodes of Business History

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Business History podcast page.