

SPECIAL: Thomas Edison (Part 3)
Sep 18, 2021
Ben Wilson, host of 'How to Take Over the World,' brings unique insights into Thomas Edison, illuminating his rivalry with Tesla and modern figures like Elon Musk. The discussion covers Edison's hands-on approach to innovation, including his legendary light bulb demonstration. Wilson also dives into Edison's struggle with deafness and his Puritan work ethic, revealing how these elements shaped his relentless drive. Listeners learn about Edison’s pioneering thoughts on solar energy and the complex legacy he left behind.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Hello's Origin
- Thomas Edison invented the word "hello" for use with telephones.
- It evolved from "halloo," an expression of surprise, to a standard greeting.
Edison vs. Tesla
- Tesla and Edison had a falling out over a misinterpreted $50,000 bonus.
- Though rivals, they maintained cordial respect for each other's genius.
Genius vs. Grit
- Tesla possessed a more original genius, envisioning machinery directly connected to nature.
- Edison's experimental approach, though less inherently brilliant, yielded greater practical success.