In the Revolutionary War George Washington was skillful in using unsuspected citizens or soldiers as spies on the British. He developed many methods with gave him success. But he didn’t always get away with it!
Nathan Hale has been considered America’s first spy. On his very first mission, however, he was discovered by the British. He was captured in possession of several important maps showing several British troop positions. He confessed and he was hanged at the end of a rope on September 22, 1776.
It was quite a night last night! My wife and I attended a special “coming out” event for the Universal Model. I couldn’t help but think how proud Thomas Jefferson would be of Dean Sessions, the man behind this new model. It is all about the scientific method. Dean, a friend of mine, kept asking himself questions and then seeking the answers.
That’s precisely what Benjamin Franklin would do. He asked himself if lightening really could be composed of electrical current. So he carried out several successful experiments to prove his hypothesis. His book about electricity was one of the most read books in all of Europe in the 1700’s. It really changed things. Look around you.
When you get a chance to visit Jefferson’s home at Monticello, be sure you make the most of it. The home is just chock full of the most interesting items, collections, and inventions. But not only that, Thomas has given space to many of those he deemed to be great individuals.
Washington learned in his youth to do what is right according to character traits. One of the ways he learned was by practicing good penmanship while writing over and over again “The Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation” as they were dictated to him by his tutor.
One of the interesting stories in history is that about the Nobel Peace Prize. I know our politicians are envious and some are determined to win this prize. It has been awarded to our current President. But few know the background about Alfred Nobel who started the process. Mr. Nobel was a Swedish chemist and the inventor of dynamite. As such he made a fortune in mining, construction and warfare. I wonder how this invention could have changed the Revolutionary War if it had been discovered sooner!
I have it on good authority that there was actually a Vice Presidential debate this evening between the candidates for the office. I’m sorry, I couldn’t bring myself to watch it. It seems to me that there is little to be learned from two men who tell lies for fun and profit—for themselves. It seems to me that few politicians are really in it for the citizens anymore.