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[-] shutz@lemmy.ca 167 points 1 day ago

Faraday, after demonstrating how moving a magnet through a coiled wire induced a current in the wire was asked by a visiting statesman what was the use of this.

Faraday responded, "In twenty years, you will be taxing it"

Similarly, at a demonstration of hot air balloons in France, Benjamin Franklin was asked "Of what use is this?"

Franklin replied, "Of what use is a newborn baby?"

[-] GraniteM@lemmy.world 10 points 21 hours ago

"Mr. Franklin, of what use is this hot air balloon contraption?"

"You can take ladies up in it with a bottle of wine and a blanket and you know, they can’t refuse, because of the implication. Think about it. She's floating up in the middle of the sky with some dude she barely knows. You know, she looks around, and what does she see? Nothing but open air. 'Ahhhh! There’s nowhere for me to run. What am I gonna do, say ‘no?’"

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this post was submitted on 16 Jun 2025
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