Benjamin Franklin is 305 years old today. He had a long life, even by today's standards, 84 years, a truly exceptional age in his time.He was a diplomat, philosopher, scientist, inventor, a maker long before the term was popularized by Cory Doctorow. If there had been hackerspaces in the 18th century, Franklin's home would have been one of them, that is if he settled in one place long enough.
This piece of Gizmodo summarizes a few of his inventions and hacks. Franklin may have been one of the last true polymaths who could learn significant knowledge about just about everything. A systems thinker.
I wonder what he would make of today's world, especially what the USA has become. Though I am certain he would be impressed, I am less sure he would be entirely pleased.
He is one of two figures (who are actual people) to appear on U.S. paper currency who was never President of the United States. Who is the other?
No comments:
Post a Comment