Thomas A. Edison
February 11, 1847 - October 18, 1931
February 11, 1847 - October 18, 1931
Thomas Edison is probably the most influential man of the modern age. Indeed, some argue that Thomas Edison’s inventions have shaped modern society more than any others. From electricity and light in our homes, to recorded music and movies, much of the technology we use everyday originated with Edison. Edison epitomized the American Dream of rags to riches. His ingenuity and hard work took him from humble beginnings to fame and affluence. In all, he earned 1,093 U.S. Patents ‐‐ a number still unmatched by anyone.
Edison’s greatest achievement was bringing us into the age of electricity. Not only did he invent the electric light bulb, but he also developed the power systems to deliver electricity to homes and businesses. His phonograph was the first machine to record and play back sound. And although the telephone wasn’t his invention, Edison made numerous, practical improvements to it. His patents also included the mimeograph, motion‐picture cameras and projectors, batteries, X‐rays, and methods for making cement. The world’s first industrial research lab was his and became a model for modern industrial innovation. Though he had many successes, he also had many failures. Pianos, phonograph cabinets, and houses built out of cement never caught on. Edison’s attempts at iron ore extraction didn’t work out. Yet, he persisted in inventing. “I have not failed,” he said, “I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." That indomitable spirit and love for inventing kept Edison working into his 80s. At 83, he earned his last patent. At the time of his death, at 84, he was trying to create a less‐expensive rubber made from the goldenrod plant. A few days after his death, Americans paid tribute by simultaneously turning off their lights for one minute in honor of “one of the greatest benefactors of humanity,” Thomas Alva Edison. |
"Of all my inventions, I like the phonograph best...
Life's most soothing things are sweet music and a child's goodnight."
Thomas A. Edison