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Sarasota News Leader January 18, 2013 Page 79 According to Isaacson, Jobs encouraged others to accomplish difficult tasks and explore new methods by saying, "Don't be afraid. You can do it." Isaacson described Einstein as having "passionate curiosity." The Nobel Prize winner's interest was aroused by the magnetic force that causes a compass needle to always point north. That led to Einstein's desire to understand the force fields. He was constantly searching for answers, Isaacson said, and, on his deathbed, still writing down equations. sevelt and Abraham Lincoln for their leadership. Some presidents, he added, "are miscast for their time," such as Woodrow Wilson and Herbert Hoover, while others represent the swing of the "pendulum," with Harry Truman following Franklin D. Roosevelt and Gerald Franklin exhibited "tolerance and [a] spirit Ford contrasting with Richard Nixon. of inclusion," traits Isaacson suggested are needed in Washington today. Believing com- Also, Isaacson shared a secret for avoiding promise to be the essence of democracy, Isaa- "writer's block": You are telling a story; ask cson said "Franklin was good at finding the what happened next and narrate the tale in right balance … between standing for your chronological order. He says it works for him. principles and compromise." Isaacson is president and CEO of the Aspen Other common qualities of the three men, Institute, an "educational and policy studies Isaacson noted, were their abilities to under- organization based in Washington, D.C.," acstand a subject and then "think differently" cording to its website, and a former chairman about it, and to recognize they were "part of and CEO of CNN. Along with his most recent something larger than themselves." book, Steve Jobs, he is the author of Einstein: During a question-and-answer session at the His Life and Universe, Benjamin Franklin: An conclusion of his prepared remarks Isaac- American Life and Kissinger: A Biography. He son was asked if there were any differences is the co-author of two other books. among the three men. He said Franklin was Future Town Hall 2013 speakers are Dr. Rob"nice, collegiate" while Jobs was not. ert Gates, Dr. Benjamin Carson, Capt. Mark When asked to name his favorite president, Kelly and Tom Brokaw. For more information he said George Washington was "indispens- about the Ringling College Library Associaable" in the formation of the United States, tion and the Town Hall series call 925-1343 or and he mentioned Ronald Reagan, Teddy Roo- visit www.RCLAssociation.org. % According to Isaacson, Franklin had "total curiosity … about everything about him." Further, Isaacson talked of Franklin as "the founder [of our country] who listens … who brings people together."