Why Americans need more face

Why Americans need more face-to-face civil discussions 'with folks outside their own bubble'

With Ben Franklin as his role model, author urges 'more listening' and less outrage in an election year

By A.J. Jacobs Published September 7, 2024 6:00am EDT

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In an election year, A.J. Jacobs, bestselling author, stresses the importance of civil discourse

Author of the new book "The Year of Living Constitutionally" urges more listening and less rage-posting on social media.

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I recently wrote a book in which I tried to understand America’s past and present by living like the Founding Fathers did. 

He was a wonderful writer, political thinker and inventor (including swim fins!). 

But another reason I admire Franklin is that he was a huge fan of civil discourse.