Eripuit caelo fulmen sceptrumque tyrannis. (He seized the lightning from the Gods and the scepter from the Tyrants.)-Turgot
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Turgot honors Franklin for both scientific discovery with lightning and political resistance against tyranny.
- In plain terms
- Franklin took lightning from gods and power from tyrants.
- What can you take from it?
- Science and liberty both challenge established powers.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What honors science and freedom?
- How does science change power?
Another view
It idealizes the figure and ignores the complexities of his political life.
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