Picked up this book “My Inventions" by Nikola Tesla. Tesla invented AC current, wireless transmitter, transformer, magnifying transmitter, turbine generator, first one to mention end to end privacy in communications, stationary territorial waves, arc lamp, initiated automation among his many inventions in late 1800s.
His style of writing was a Huckleberry Finn meets Catcher in the Rye meets In Pursuit of Happiness (Will Smith movie) - which vividly describes his adventures , his mental / emotional stage and his sheer determination.
Here are some of the lines I liked from the book :
1. My method is different. I do not rush into actual work. When I get an idea I start at once building it up in my imagination. I change the construction, make improvements and operate the device in my mind. It is absolutely immaterial to me whether I run my turbine in thought or test it in my shop. I even note if it is out of balance. There is no difference whatever, the results are the same. In this way I am able to rapidly develop and perfect a conception without touching anything.
2. On one occasion I came across a novel entitled “Abafi” (the Son of Aba), a Serbian translation of a well known Hungarian writer, Josika. This work somehow awakened my dormant powers of will and I began to practise self-control. At first my resolutions faded like snow in April, but in a little while I conquered my weakness and felt a pleasure I never knew before—that of doing as I willed. In the course of time this vigorous mental exercise became second nature.
3. Most persons are so absorbed in the contemplation of the outside world that they are wholly oblivious to what is passing on within themselves.
4. A new idea must not be judged by its immediate results.
5. Instinct is something which transcends knowledge.
6. (Describing complex work used by many) - Under such circumstances the progress must be slow and perhaps the greatest impediment is encountered in the prejudicial opinions created in the minds of experts by organized opposition.
7. We crave for new sensations but soon become indifferent to them
8. The wonders of yesterday are today common occurrences.
9. My project was retarded by laws of nature. The world was not prepared for it. It was too far ahead of time. But the same laws will prevail in the end and make it a triumphal success.
10. My belief is firm in a law of compensation. The true rewards are ever in proportion to the labor and sacrifices made.
11. I am prompted to this prediction not so much by thoughts of the commercial and industrial revolution which it will surely bring about, but of the humanitarian consequences of the many achievements it makes possible.
12. War can not be avoided until the physical cause for its recurrence is removed and this, in the last analysis, is the vast extent of the planet on which we live.
13. What we now want most is closer contact and better understanding between individuals and communities all over the earth, and the elimination of that fanatic devotion to exalted ideals of national egoism and pride which is always prone to plunge the world into primeval barbarism and strife.
14. As I view the world of today, in the light of the gigantic struggle we have witnessed (WW1), I am filled with conviction that the interests of humanity would be best served if the United States remained true to its traditions and kept out of “entangling alliances.”
15. Deficient observation is merely a form of ignorance and responsible for the many morbid notions and foolish ideas prevailing.
16. (On the League of Nations, predecessor to the UN, formed after WW1) - The proposed League is not a remedy but on the contrary, in the opinion of a number of competent men, may bring about results just the opposite. It is particularly regrettable that a punitive policy was adopted in framing the terms of peace, because a few years hence it will be possible for nations to fight without armies, ships or guns, by weapons far more terrible, to the destructive action and range of which there is virtually no limit.
This was a short book. A good read.
