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“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work!” – Edison
“If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves!” – Edison
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work” – Edison
Just how influential is Thomas Edison’s legacy today? Do any of his inventions directly affect your life?
How does a person become successful and leave an incredible legacy? Try, try, fail, try, fail and try again!
If there was ever a case for persistence, dedication and over enthusiasm eventually leading to success then Thomas Edison is probably the greatest example.
Origins of a Curious Mind…..
The man who would go on to change society forever was born to humble beginnings on February 11, 1847 in Milan, Ohio (US). He was the seventh and last child of a middle class couple, Samuel Edison, Jr. and Nancy Elliot Edison. By nature, he was a very curious child and according to legend, he constantly asked adults the ‘How’s’ and ‘Whys’ of everything!
Edison barely received any formal education (only three months due to his hearing problems) but was taught reading, writing and maths by his mother. Edison loved to read and devoured science and technical books in his own time. From these beginnings, one of the history’s greatest inventors was about unleash his mind for the betterment of all humanity….
The Big Break!
At the age of 13, Edison started to work as a newsboy, selling papers around the track that ran through Port Huron to Detroit. On one occasion, Edison saved the life of a station official's child, who had fallen onto the tracks. For his bravery, the boy's father taught Edison how to use the telegraph. This incident changed Edison’s life. A passion was sparked and society would never be the same again….
With his newly acquired knowledge, Edison excelled as a telegrapher and began travelling across the US. In these early years, he also produced his first set of inventions, developing a telegraphic repeating instrument that made it possible to transmit messages automatically. By 1869, Edison's inventions also included the duplex telegraph and message printer.
A Lifetime of Inventions…..
Therefore after, Edison began his life’s work of producing inventions for the overall betterment of society. In 1876, a young Edison moved his experimental facilities to Menlo Park, New Jersey. It was here, over a six year period, his creativity surged and he patented up to 400 inventions! An incredible number!
Not only did he invent the first successful practical incandescent electric light bulb, he also set up the first electrical power distribution company. Other notable Edison inventions include:
- The Phonograph, with "Mary had a little lamb", the first sound recorded and reproduced. Yes, Edison voice was recorded first!
- Motion Picture Technology. In his goal of producing a device which would "Do for the eye what the phonograph does for the ear", record and reproduce motions; Edison invented a "Kinetoscope". Edison's first motion picture and the first motion picture ever copyrighted showed his employee Fred Ott pretending to sneeze.
After several experiments, the final product known as a ‘Projectoscope’ debuted and the first motion pictures shown in a "movie theater" in America were presented to audiences on April 23, 1896, in New York City. The actual film was supplied by the Eastman Kodak company. Yes, that Kodak!
For more on his many innovative and down right fascinating inventions, please see the links below!
His Many Accomplishments and legacy….
Thomas Edison packed several lifetimes and countless accomplishments into his 84 years! Here are some of the most notable achievements:
- Edison was not content with one or two inventions, he held 1093 patents! The most issued to one individual!
- Do great minds think alike? Yes, Edison counted automobile legend, Henry Ford as a friend!
- Edison overcame his own physical challenges. As a teen, he began to experience hearing loss due to scarlet fever. Eventually, Edison become completely deaf in his left ear and 80 percent deaf in the other.
- Bent over a bunsen burner in a lab? Yes, Edison also founded the first modern research laboratory!
- Edison persistently tested over 3000 Filaments before he came up with his version of a practical light bulb!
- In his lifetime, Edison was awarded amongst many things, the French Legion of Honour (1881). In the US, February 11th (Edison’s Bday) is known as National Inventor’s day and in 1997, Life Magazine voted him 1st in their most important people in the last 1000 years special!
- US giant General Electric is one of the many companies he set up!
- Today, many schools, bridges, roads, awards, warships museums and memorials bare his name!
His greatest achievement was probably convincing the world that electricity was not just a passing fad or exclusively for the rich; by the time of his death, all walks of life in towns and cities could enjoy the simple joys of lighting! Such was the esteem he was held, electric lights in the US were dimmed for 1 minute on Oct. 21st, 1931, a few days after his death to mark his passing.
Sometimes to be successful in life, a person has to be persistence, dedicated and of course, willing to make mistakes. At first, the journey may seem incredibly challenging and the odds overwhelming but slowly, positive outcomes will occur.
Edison did not make one or two mistakes to be successful; he literally made thousands of them! Again and again but with each mistake he learnt an important lesson and gained further experience to help him achieve his many goals.
His legacy? Well, every time you turn on a lamp to read, enjoy some music or watch a film then yes, your life has been influenced by this incredible individual. With that we leave you with some wise words from the man himself!
“Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration!”
Dream big and maybe you can impact society beyond your wildest dreams!
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