Quotes / Thomas Edison

[Edison] did great things and some of less great things. For many decades after his death the common consensus was that he was basically flawless genius inventor. Over time, his more shady dealings and ego began to leak into the public consciousness though. Now it seems like a trend to only despise Edison. But I believe the less savoury characteristics he had shouldn't have completely define his life. Edison and marketed technology that has influenced all of our lives. Sure, he build of the works of others but that's the nature of invention. His business altitude financed all his projects and while he didn't used most graceful or empathetic methods, the Edison hate train has gotten out of hand. He was admired as near impossible genius in his time and for a good while after. While the public didn't have all the information to make the correct assessment of Edison's character. He still affected their lives in a real meaningful ways. As more of the public became privy to his monopolistic exploits and his propensity to take credit for his employees hard work, it seems like the actual good he did for the world was considered irrelevant. Edison was the driving force behind most of the technology shaking the World during his lifetime, whether from conception or just financially. Should he get all the credit? No. But without him many groundbreaking projects wouldn't have even taken of. I think it is important to understand the nature of this man. He was driven to win, at all costs, and worked hard to achieve his goals. He was the man who knew what he wanted and did anything to get that. He just happened to help the World in the process.

—Cody Franklin, Knowledge Husk, "Thomas Edison: Not As Bad As You Think?"