Benjamin Franklin

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Rapid innovation

  “But such is the present Enthusiasm for promoting and improving this Discovery, that probably we shall soon make considerable Progress in the art of constructing and using the Machines.”

  Our noteFranklin observes how public and scientific enthusiasm accelerates the development of new technology.

• Impact of innovation

  “So vast a Bulk when it began to rise so majestically in the Air struck the spectators with surprise and Admiration.”

  Our noteFranklin describes the public reaction to seeing the first large hot air balloon ascent.

• High cost barriers

  “The other Method of filling a Balloon with permanently elastic inflammable Air, and then closing it is a tedious Operation, and very expensive”

  Our noteFranklin compares the operational difficulties and costs of different balloon technologies.

• Restoring equilibrium

  “The consequence is, spark follows spark till the equilibrium is restored.”

  Our noteDescribing the process of discharging a phial until the electrical state is balanced.

• Necessary connections for input

  “A phial cannot be charged standing on wax or glass, or hanging on the prime conductor, unless a communication be form'd between its coating and the floor.”

  Our noteFranklin explains that for energy to enter one side, it must be able to exit the other.

• Incremental progress

  “as in plucking the hairs from the horse's tail, a degree of strength insufficient to pull away a handful at once, could yet easily strip it hair by hair”

  Our noteFranklin explains why pointed objects draw off electricity more effectively than blunt ones by using a simple analogy.

• Clarity in communication

  “I feel a want of terms here, and doubt much whether I shall be able to make this part intelligible.”

  Our noteFranklin admits the difficulty of explaining complex new scientific concepts without established terminology.

• Openness to correction

  “Yet, perhaps, it may not be a true one, and I shall be obliged to him that affords me a better.”

  Our noteFranklin expresses humility regarding his scientific hypothesis on electrical fluid.

• Importance of fresh air

  “No outward air that may come in to you is so unwholesome as the unchanged air, often breathed, of a close chamber.”

  Our noteFranklin argues for the necessity of ventilation for maintaining health and mental clarity.

• Integrity in business

  “The former character raises a credit which supplies the want of fortune, and their fair dealing brings them customers”

  Our noteFranklin explains why honest shopkeepers succeed over those who lie to their customers.

• Stick to principles

  “I say, when you are sure you have got a good principle, stick to it and carry it through.”

  Our noteFranklin discusses the importance of consistency in applying laws and moral principles.

• Observation and Utility

  “By human industry and observation, other properties of other insects may possibly be hereafter discovered, and of equal utility.”

  Our noteFranklin discusses how studying even small insects can lead to significant commercial and medicinal benefits.