Growing up, I heard nothing but praise for Ben Franklin as an inventor, scientist, politician and diplomat. I heard he played a significant role in the creation of the United States and that he was constantly improving himself by using his list of 13 virtues, focusing on one virtue a week.

On the other side of the coin, I’ve heard people say he was a womanizer, a drunk and that he wasn’t worthy of the respect he’s often shown.

Cecil Adams provides some answers.