# When Benjamin Franklin Challenged Divine Will and Faced Backlash
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Chapter 1: Franklin's Inventions and Their Impact
It’s not uncommon for those adept in scientific fields to perceive themselves as possessing god-like abilities. Benjamin Franklin, a prominent founding father of the United States, certainly embraced this notion with his innovative creations. While well-known for his role in American history, Franklin's lesser-known talent for invention is equally remarkable. From his iconic bifocals to various musical instruments, he dabbled in diverse areas of science, yielding an impressive portfolio of inventions.
One of his most notable contributions is the ‘Franklin Rod,’ which underscores his fascination with electricity. Renowned filmmaker Ken Burns elaborates on this in his recent documentary, highlighting how Franklin's quest to demystify electricity led him to astonishing revelations.
Franklin's Humorous Mishap with Electricity
In 1747, having established a successful printing business, Franklin retired at the age of 41. Retirement can often lead to boredom for those lacking creative pursuits, but Franklin utilized his newfound free time to explore electrical experimentation.
He famously electrified a turkey, discovering that the meat was noticeably more tender compared to the traditional slaughter method. Such eccentric experiments are often associated with genius, and Franklin's endeavors certainly fit that bill.
Chapter 2: Revolutionary Theories on Electricity
Franklin is credited with being one of the first to conceptualize electricity as akin to a liquid, consisting of both ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ charges. Although this perspective was somewhat misguided, it laid the groundwork for a deeper understanding of electrical science. His insights helped shift the perception of electricity from mere parlor tricks to a significant area of study.
Franklin’s relentless pursuit of knowledge was fueled by his desire to elevate electricity beyond the realm of entertainment and into the public consciousness. His biographer, Walter Isaacson, reflects on Franklin’s assertion that the electric shocks he experienced during his experiments were enough to humble anyone.
Franklin's Innovative Kite Experiment
In an iconic experiment, Franklin sought to demonstrate that lightning was not a manifestation of divine wrath but rather a natural electrical phenomenon. He aimed to install a lightning rod atop the tallest structure in Philadelphia but resorted to a daring kite experiment alongside his son, William, when construction lagged.
As a storm approached, they flew a kite with a metal key attached. Remarkably, the kite's twine began to stand on end, and the key emitted sparks, confirming Franklin's hypothesis that lightning was simply electricity at work.
Challenging Religious Norms
Ironically, churches, being the tallest structures, were often struck by lightning. After substantiating his theories, Franklin sought to protect these buildings with his invention of the lightning rod. Many hailed it as a lifesaving device, especially after numerous bell ringers had perished in lightning strikes.
However, some religious leaders criticized Franklin, claiming he was meddling in divine affairs. This perspective seemed misguided, as Franklin’s invention aimed to save lives rather than challenge divine authority.
In essence, Franklin’s lightning rod served as a protective measure, absorbing the impact of lightning strikes to safeguard both structures and their occupants. Despite facing criticism, his innovations can be seen as aligned with a higher purpose, ultimately working to save lives rather than oppose divine will.
Would you like to delve deeper into Franklin’s contributions and the controversies surrounding them? Join me and explore more intriguing stories from history.