Surprising and Unusual Trivia- 10 Weird Facts About Benjamin Franklin You Never Knew

When discussing the life of Benjamin Franklin, it’s impossible not to stumble upon some weird facts that make this Founding Father of the United States even more intriguing. Here are a few peculiar tidbits about one of America’s most beloved historical figures.

Benjamin Franklin was not only a politician and diplomat but also a prolific inventor and writer. He had a knack for coming up with innovative ideas and experimenting with them. One of the most bizarre facts about Franklin is that he believed in the power of electricity. He even conducted experiments with a kite and a key during a storm to prove that lightning was electricity. Another strange fact is that Franklin was a vegetarian, which was quite unusual for his time. He was particularly fond of fish, which he believed to be a healthier alternative to meat.

One of the most famous inventions of Benjamin Franklin is the lightning rod. However, his idea for the device came from an unusual source. According to legend, Franklin was inspired by seeing a kite with a key attached to its tail during a thunderstorm. He thought that if the key were to conduct electricity, it might protect a building from lightning strikes. This experiment led to the creation of the lightning rod, which has saved countless lives since then.

Another odd fact about Franklin is his belief in the power of alchemy. He spent a considerable amount of time and money trying to turn base metals into gold. While he never succeeded in his alchemical pursuits, his efforts did contribute to the scientific understanding of chemistry. Franklin was also an avid swimmer and even invented a swimming device called the “swimming belt,” which was designed to help swimmers stay afloat and move more efficiently in the water.

Franklin’s personal life was also filled with peculiarities. For instance, he had a close friendship with his landlady’s daughter, Sarah Josepha Hale, who later became a prominent poet and writer. The two maintained a correspondence for over 40 years, which has provided historians with valuable insights into Franklin’s character and beliefs. Additionally, Franklin had a strong interest in numerology and believed that numbers held hidden meanings. He even used numerology to predict the outcome of events, such as the election of George Washington as the first President of the United States.

One of the most unusual facts about Benjamin Franklin is his alleged ability to read minds. During his time in Paris, Franklin was said to have the power to predict the thoughts of others. This ability, which he claimed to have developed through meditation and concentration, was a source of fascination for many of his contemporaries.

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin’s life is filled with weird facts that highlight his extraordinary character and his impact on the world. From his experiments with electricity and his vegetarianism to his alchemical pursuits and his alleged mind-reading abilities, Franklin’s life is a testament to his curiosity and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. These peculiar facts only add to the legend of this remarkable man, making him an enduring figure in American history.