The Benjamin Franklin effect describes the phenomenon where “we grow to like people for whom we do nice things and dislike those to whom we are unkind”. The incident is named after Franklin’s method of winning over a man who tarnished his reputation. He borrowed a rare book from the man — perhaps an honour, as Franklin had refined literary tastes — which fooled him into perceiving Franklin in a favourable light. After all, why else would he lend a rare book to someone he disliked? Read full article here
