In Walter Isaacson's biography "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life," the author explores the theme of human rationality and its role in decision-making. Franklin’s insight reflects the human tendency to justify our actions, suggesting that our reasoning often serves more as a tool for rationalization than a search for truth. This highlights the flexibility of the human mind in adapting reasoning to fit personal desires.

The quote underscores the convenience of being a rational being, implying that individuals can easily create or discover reasons to pursue their interests. Franklin’s perspective suggests that this ability can lead to both positive and negative consequences, as it allows for creative problem-solving but also can result in self-deception or poor choices when justification is misguided.