Political and personal obstacles threatened Harrison's progress from "summary" of Longitude by Dava Sobel
Harrison faced numerous challenges that hindered his advancements in the creation of a reliable marine timekeeper. One significant obstacle was the opposition he faced from the scientific community and the Board of Longitude. Despite proving the accuracy of his timepieces, Harrison was met with skepticism and resistance, as his innovations threatened the status quo and the authority of established astronomers and mathematicians. This resistance ultimately delayed the acknowledgment and adoption of Harrison's groundbreaking invention. Additionally, Harrison encountered personal hardships that impeded his progress. His own stubbornness and perfectionism sometimes got in the way of practical solutions, causing delays in the development of his timepieces. Moreover, his lack of formal education and social status worked against him, as he did not possess the credentials or connections typically required to gain recognition and support for his work. These personal obstacles compounded the challenges Harrison faced in gaining acceptance for his revolutionary timekeeping devices. Furthermore, political factors also played a role in obstructing Harrison's path to success. The influence of powerful figures within the scientific community and the government, who favored traditional methods over Harrison's innovative approach, posed a significant barrier to his progress. Additionally, the bureaucratic nature of the Board of Longitude and its vested interests in maintaining the status quo further complicated Harrison's efforts to gain approval and funding for his timekeepers. In the face of these formidable obstacles, Harrison's determination and ingenuity remained steadfast. Despite the numerous challenges he encountered, he continued to refine his timepieces and demonstrate their accuracy and reliability. His unwavering commitment to his goal eventually led to the recognition and acceptance of his marine chronometers as indispensable tools for navigating the world's oceans. Through perseverance and resilience, Harrison was able to overcome the political and personal barriers that threatened his progress and revolutionize the field of maritime navigation.
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