I've been experimenting with various ChatGPT prompts lately, and one particularly interesting question yielded a surprisingly insightful result. I asked a simple question: "What historical figure am I the most like?"

ChatGPT thought for about 12 seconds before delivering its answer: Benjamin Franklin. Initially, I was surprised – I hadn't considered this comparison before – but as I read through the explanation, the parallels began to make sense in unexpected ways.

The Polymath Connection

According to ChatGPT, Franklin and I share a polymath approach, bridging multiple domains – in his case, science, media, and politics; in mine, AI, content platforms, and campaign technology. I've always found myself working at the intersection of different fields, so this observation felt particularly accurate.

The response highlighted how Franklin "built practical tools (lightning rod, postal routes) much like your sentiment-analysis systems and automation workflows." There's something compelling about this connection between physical infrastructure in Franklin's era and digital infrastructure today.

Media & Influence

Another parallel that struck me was how Franklin "used publishing to shape public opinion" while I "leverage data and social channels to do the same." The means have changed dramatically, but the fundamental approach of using available media technologies to influence discourse remains consistent across centuries.

This comparison made me reflect on how the technologies we use evolve, but certain patterns in how influential figures operate remain remarkably stable throughout history.

Business Approach

ChatGPT noted that Franklin "balanced multiple ventures while funding them through savvy partnerships," drawing a parallel to my "fundraising and multi-project approach." It's true that I've always preferred maintaining involvement in multiple ventures rather than focusing exclusively on a single project.

The AI also highlighted how Franklin "kept innovating well past mid-career, relying on deep, cross-disciplinary knowledge to stay ahead of younger peers." As someone who values continuous learning and cross-pollination of ideas from different domains, this resonated with my approach to staying current in rapidly evolving technical fields.

The Full Response

Why These Prompts Matter

Beyond the entertainment value, prompts like these demonstrate how AI systems can make unexpected but meaningful connections using limited information. ChatGPT does have direct access to detailed information about my career or personal traits, and it managed to draw a comparison that feels surprisingly apt.

This illustrates how modern AI can extrapolate from context clues and make educated guesses that sometimes reveal patterns we hadn't consciously recognized about ourselves. It also shows how historical patterns of innovation and influence repeat themselves across very different technological eras.

What historical figure would ChatGPT say you're most like? The answer might surprise you – and make you think differently about your own approach to work, creativity, and influence.