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My Inventions

summary ofMy InventionsBook by Nikola Tesla

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You’ll learn

  • Why curiosity outweighed his desire for fame or money
  • How Tesla visualized inventions
  • What fueled his remarkable memory
  • The genesis of rotating magnetic fields discovery

first KEY POINT

Nikola Tesla was a peculiar inventor, genius polymath, and the most important contributor to commercial electricity

Hardly anyone has contributed more to electricity and magnetism in the late 19th century and early 20th century than Nikola Tesla. The alternating current (AC), the polyphase power distribution system, and the AC motor are modern products based on Tesla’s patents and theoretical framework. You cannot talk about the Second Industrial Revolution without giving credit to him.Tesla was an inventor that derived satisfaction from discovering and creating solutions. He was never motivated by fame or money. He abhorred manual labor but thrived on exercising his intellectual prowess.

Humans are usually more creative in their formative years than when they become adults.

Tesla admitted to not cultivating his childhood instincts and impulses as he grew older. He believed that he would have made more impact on the world had he not conformed to the systematic procedures of adulthood that stifled creativity.Also, he compared himself to his brother, who died prematurely due to an accident involving the family horse. Tesla believed that his achievement paled in comparison to the ingenuity of his brother. Yet, anytime he did something extraordinary, his parents imagined what life would have been like had his brother survived. The fact that Tesla’s ingenuity provoked sad memories in his parents affected his self-confidence.Another factor that militated against the full exploration of his potential was the disagreement between him and his father about his career choice. His father wanted him to become a clerical officer, while his desire was to become an engineer.Tesla believed the genetic imprint of an inventor came from his mother, while the strength of his memory came from his father, who trained him to recite long sentences, perform mental calculations, and spot errors in forms of expression.In this summary, you’ll gain insight into the thought process of Nicola Tesla, discover the biological and environmental factors that contributed to the career path he chose, and learn vital lessons that will stir your creative mind.Did you know? It was not until 1943 that the United States Supreme Court acknowledged him as the inventor of the radio.

second KEY POINT

Nature and nurture combined to develop Nikola Tesla’s inventive skills

From a tender age, Tesla had shown signs that he was a different child. From his appearance, discerning persons could tell that he was witty. His father, Milutin Tesla, received military education but chose to work as a priest in an orthodox church. His mother, Duka Mandiç, was notable for her knack for making home crafts and mechanical appliances. Nikola Tesla was born on July 10, 1856, in modern-day Croatia. He was the fourth of five children by his parents. His older brother, Dane Tesla, died in an accident involving the family horse when Nikola was five. Dane was a child prodigy and losing him affected the entire family. In fact, Nikola Tesla felt the urge to curb the display of his genius as a child because each time he tried to do something extraordinary, it reminded his parents of his brother.His father taught him to develop his memory by rote memorization of classics and mathematical rigors. His mother came from a long line of inventors. Together, they molded Nikola Tesla into the genius inventor he turned out to be.

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first KEY POINT

Tesla’s mind was so powerful that he invented things in his imagination before creating them in the real world

second KEY POINT

It is vital to train the mind and body if we are to achieve great goals in life

third KEY POINT

The primary motivations of an inventor is to save lives or make life easier to live

fourth KEY POINT

Tesla discovered the rotating magnetic field that his professor declared impossible to design

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Visionary Nikola Tesla revolutionized electrical engineering. Known for pioneering the alternating current system, his passion for discovery remains legendary in technological history.

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Frequently asked questions

What is My Inventions about?

My Inventions is a collection of essays penned by Nikola Tesla, where he shares his groundbreaking ideas and inventions. This book provides an insight into the mind of one of history's greatest inventors, detailing his philosophies and innovative visions for the future.

How many pages is My Inventions and when was it published?

My Inventions spans approximately 200 pages and was published in 1919. This book not only celebrates Tesla’s genius but also delves into the personal experiences that shaped his inventions.

What are the key takeaways from My Inventions?

The key takeaways from My Inventions include Tesla's belief in the power of imagination and innovation. Readers will discover his views on technology’s potential to improve humanity and the importance of perseverance in creative pursuits.

Is My Inventions worth reading?

Yes, My Inventions is definitely worth reading for anyone interested in the history of science and technology. It offers valuable insights into Tesla's work and thought processes, making it a fascinating read for aspiring inventors and tech enthusiasts alike.

Who is the author of My Inventions?

The author of My Inventions is Nikola Tesla, a pioneering inventor, electrical engineer, and futurist known for his contributions to the development of alternating current (AC) electricity. His works continue to inspire innovation in various technological fields.