Founders

#83 Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, George Westinghouse, and the Race to Electrify the World

116 snips
Aug 4, 2019
Delve into the electrifying rivalry between Edison, Tesla, and Westinghouse. Discover how personal pride fueled competing visions for electrical dominance and the challenges they faced. Explore J.P. Morgan's role in financing this transformative industry and the societal changes that ensued. Learn about the resilience shown by these innovators and how their strategies shaped the future. The episode also reflects on the lessons we can glean from historical figures in entrepreneurship and innovation.
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ANECDOTE

Early Electric Homes

  • J.P. Morgan's home, the first private residence wired for electricity in NYC, required a full-time engineer.
  • This engineer managed the generator from 3 PM to 11 PM, highlighting electricity's early complexity.
INSIGHT

Books as Links

  • Books, like the internet, connect ideas and people, exemplified by Faraday's influence on Edison and Tesla.
  • Faraday, inspired by Benjamin Franklin, viewed experimentation as key to unlocking nature's secrets and practical applications.
INSIGHT

Edison's Focus

  • Edison focused on making electric light practical for homes, recognizing the limitations of existing arc lights.
  • He aimed to 'subdivide' the intense light, making it suitable for indoor use and thus transforming daily life.
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