We’re all familiar with the image of Ben Franklin standing beneath a storm cloud while flying a kite with a metal key attached to attract lightning. It’s been woven into the fabric of American folklore and, regardless of the veracity of the event, the portly founding father has long been credited with discovering electricity.
I don’t want to detract from such an accomplishment in any way, but if you ask me whether I’d rather prove that lightning is electricity or develop a way to harness said power and put it to use, I’m going with the latter every time.