To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
If anyone should doubt whether the electrical matter passes through the substance of bodies, or only over along their surfaces, a shock from an electrified large glass jar, taken through his own body, will probably convince him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Benjamin Franklin suggests that experiencing electric shock first-hand will clarify how electricity interacts with materials.
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin is asserting that the nature of electricity, whether it penetrates objects or merely travels along their surfaces, can be understood through direct experience. By using the example of receiving a shock from an electrified jar, he emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence in understanding scientific concepts, illustrating that personal experience often provides the most convincing proof.
Themes
ElectricityScienceEmpirical EvidenceExperienceUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a science demonstration to highlight the effects of electricity.
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[E]very Man who comes among us, and takes up a piece of Land, becomes a Citizen, and by our Constitution has a Voice in Elections, and a share in the Government of the Country.
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Our Constitution is in actual operation; everything appears to promise that it will last; but in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.
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Let honesty and industry be thy constant companions, and spend one penny less than thy clear gains; then shall thy pocket begin to thrive; creditors will not insult, nor want oppress, nor hungerness bite, nor nakedness freeze thee
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I think that a young state, like a young virgin, should modestly stay at home, and wait the application of suitors for an alliance with her; and not run about offering her amity to all the world; and hazarding their refusal. Our virgin is a jolly one; and tho at present not very rich, will in time be a great fortune, and where she has a favorable predisposition, it seems to me well worth cultivating.
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