The most famous and highly respected American inventor of all time, said that genius comprises 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. He showed the world that sheer determination and talent can make a huge difference in the world.
With his remarkable inventions, he showed how one can become a prodigious inventor without traditional schooling. You will be surprised to know that he was homeschooled by his mother. He went on to add 1093 patents and intellectual rights to his name in different segments and holds the world record as the highest patent holder.
Thomas Alva Edison: Early Life
He was very curious but was driven out of school due to his below-average performance and for asking too many questions. This is why his mother taught him how to read and write. She was the one to teach him Mathematics and encouraged him to read.
He suffered from hearing impairment. He considered it a boon as he could concentrate on reading books and focusing on different topics without distractions. His curiosity increased in due course of time and followed his dreams.
He was not an engineer or a scientist as his education was not very supportive. He was an entrepreneur at a very young age. He used to sell candy and newspapers at the age of 10. When he was 16, he learnt how to operate a telegraph and wandered to offer his service.
Despite his busy entrepreneurial schedule, he never stopped learning and continued doing experiments. In due course of time, he transitioned to becoming an inventor. It was the same Thomas Alva Edison we know who invented the light bulb and changed the course of history. We don’t know how many times Thomas Alva Edison failed to invent the light bulb. However, what really matters is his eventual success.
One of his first contributions to the world was a unique telegraph device that can inscribe the Morse code used in the telegraph on a paper strip to make it more accessible to the common people. His first attempt made it easier for the common people to decode the code and read the messages on their own.
Important lesson to be learnt from Thomas Edison life was that he never thought of giving up, he was always up, he never gave up even when all the odds seem to be against him. This should server as inspiration and motivation to anyone who comes across this piece of his life’s story, never give up, do what you know how to do best till you make it happen.
– Aminu Victoria Precious
Mass Communication Department,
Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, Kogi State.
