The quote of the day from thinkers we admire sparks inspiration and reflection in us. Indeed, quotes from our revered figures can provide us with our daily motivation and food for thought.
But what makes a particular quote for the day even more meaningful and part of our regular inspo quotes is when we are able to connect with the person behind it. When we understand their background, their insights resonate with us more as fuel for our imagination. Their words hold even more special power because, in them, we recognize shared truths. Though extraordinary, these luminaries often lift veils on our common humanity.
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Unlocking the Humanity Of Nikola Tesla Through His Inspo Quotes
Let’s unravel the man behind the inventor, engineer, physicist, and innovator, Nikola Tesla.
Though considered an all-time great, his core human attributes and traits make him seem approachable, understandable, and alike to the average person. His journey sheds light on timeless human truths.
He wasn’t just an inventor or genius, but rather a complex person with thoughts, dreams, struggles, and other things that people can identify with.
Hence, extraordinary as he may be, we can still use his words for our good morning quotes and our workplace motivational quotes.
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Tesla had a fondness for the numbers 3, 6, and 9. So, in honor of the master, let’s explore his:
- 3 key relatable aspects
- 6 enduring legacy components, and
- 9 quotes of the day and encouraging quotes for work.
3 Key Relatable Aspects About Nikola Tesla
1) Humble Beginnings
Tesla was born into an average income, religious family as the bulk of humanity is.
And like countless children through time, Tesla gained his initial worldview through family and scripture. Biblical lessons from his mother, a devout woman managing a rural household, offered the budding inventor his first glimpse of deeper truths uniting life’s mysteries.
Can you imagine the young Nikola Tesla, the future world-renowned iconoclastic mental giant, reciting inspo quotes from the Bible as most children from religious folks do?
Nikola Tesla was born on July 10, 1856, in the village of Smiljan, part of the Austrian Empire (modern-day Croatia), into a family of Serbian ethnicity.
His father, Milutin Tesla, was a Serbian Orthodox priest, and his mother, Georgina Djuka Tesla, managed the household. The family’s financial situation can be described as modest, and Tesla’s early years were influenced by the rural environment of his upbringing.
As is typical of many thinkers, Tesla also became interested in a broader understanding of existence beyond the immediate realm of religion or science.
2) Overcoming Professional Challenges
Like many of us, Nikola Tesla set goals and persevered to achieve them. And, like many of us, he encountered opposition, disappointments, and workplace clashes.
Does it make you wonder if Nikola Tesla also had a favorite quote of the day to navigate through challenging situations? And what could it be?
After immigrating to America in 1884, 28-year-old Tesla hoped to make his mark alongside one of early electricity’s biggest stars – Thomas Edison.
He sought to contribute to the field of electrical engineering and pursue his ideas for improving electrical systems. He believed that collaborating with Edison, a prominent figure in the field at that time, would provide him with the opportunity to realize his vision and advance his work in the emerging electrical industry.
But the two titans clashed over contrasts in style and priorities. Like an incompatible coworker situation familiar to many, Tesla and Edison just couldn’t seem to get along despite their brilliance. And their disagreements led them down different paths.
We all have days where office tensions have us murmuring workplace motivational quotes under our breath, right?! Even for visionaries like Tesla, professional breakups can sting. But, through it all, Tesla persisted in pursuing his own original ideas and inventions. He soldiered on no matter what.
3) Dealing with Financial Difficulties and Apparent Mental Health Issues
Nikola Tesla was a genius, but like the rest of humanity, he wasn’t spared from challenges as the trials and tribulations he faced were also commensurate with his extraordinary abilities.
Financial Difficulties
Despite pioneering electrical engineering innovations, Tesla sometimes struggled to fund his boundary-pushing projects. At times he lacked the business savvy expected from such a prolific inventor. Securing investors willing to back his futuristic visions often proved an uphill battle.
One notable instance was Tesla’s collaboration with George Westinghouse, a rival of Thomas Edison, to develop alternating current (AC) technology. Tesla’s contract with Westinghouse, crucial during the “War of Currents,” outlined his work on improving and expanding AC systems. The agreement included royalties based on electricity sales.
During the financial crisis of 1895-1897, Westinghouse faced challenges, prompting Tesla to make a significant decision. In an act of loyalty and commitment to AC technology’s development, Tesla tore up his contract, forgoing lucrative royalties. This decision, while causing financial strain personally, played a pivotal role in sustaining Westinghouse’s business and preventing potential bankruptcy.
Nonetheless, despite their successful development and launch of AC technology, financial constraints and divergent visions led to the eventual parting of ways between Tesla and Westinghouse.
Apparent OCD & Social Anxiety Disorder
Throughout his life, Tesla exhibited behaviors and preferences that modern definitions could interpreted as indicative of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).
Interestingly, some historians believe that Tesla’s purported OCD may have contributed to his peak performance, rather than being a hindrance. However, current medical analysis suggests that his obsessive focus on a singular task or idea, working on it repeatedly until realization, could be attributed to the traits commonly associated with OCD.
At the same time, this inclination towards obsessive behavior might explain Tesla’s preference for solitude. It’s recognized that SAD is a potential complication associated with OCD, shedding light on his choice to spend extensive periods alone.
Imagine the challenge of battling mental health demons while collaborating with Edison and Westinghouse — two of the most influential figures of the early 20th century. Considering that stress often intensifies OCD symptoms, one can only speculate on the impact working closely with these formidable personalities had on Tesla.
If he had any, what daily dose of inspiration or positive reminder could have served as Tesla’s personal “quote of the day” and “encouraging quotes for work” during periods of adversity?
6 Enduring Legacy Components of Nikola Tesla
Nikola Tesla’s impact on technology, vision for the future, and inspo quotes remain highly influential. His contributions have laid the foundation for modern electrical engineering and continue to inspire scientists, engineers, and inventors around the world.
Many top figures pay tribute or would want to pay tribute to him as a scientific pioneer and visionary trailblazer, from tennis great, Novak Djokovic, to self-made billionaire, Elon Musk.
But, other than being an enduring figure in the history of science and technology, this visionary inventor is also an endearing personality in the history of humanity for his altruistic dedication to advancing knowledge.
1) Nikola Tesla’s Remarkable Vision, Inventive Genius, and Eidetic Memory
Nikola Tesla possessed an exceptional imagination and intellect, coupled with an eidetic memory that allowed him to vividly recall intricate details. This remarkable combination empowered him to conceive groundbreaking ideas and inventions, transforming the world.
His views about inventing have become a source of encouraging quotes for work by many.
2) Impact on Society
Tesla’s work laid the foundation for modern power systems, radio technology, and numerous other innovations that have shaped the way we live today.
His inventions and contributions to electrical engineering revolutionized technology. The development of the alternating current system, for instance, allowed for the efficient transmission and distribution of electricity, bringing power to communities around the world.
3) Persistence in the Face of Challenges
Tesla faced numerous obstacles and setbacks throughout his career. These challenges included financial difficulties, patent disputes, and skepticism from contemporaries.
However, he persisted in pursuing his ideas and remained dedicated to his work despite these challenges. His resilience and determination serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and belief in one’s vision, even in the face of adversity.
When facing persecution, and you need the best morning quotes to uplift and face the day, it won’t hurt to use some workplace motivational quotes from the ground-breaking genius that is Nikola Tesla. Right?
4) Forward-Thinking and Futuristic Ideals
Tesla possessed a futuristic mindset and often thought ahead of his time. His concepts and ideas, such as wireless power transmission and wireless communication, were seen as visionary during his era and continue to inspire future technological advancements. Tesla’s ability to think beyond the current limitations of technology and envision possibilities for a better future is an inspiration for those seeking to push the boundaries of innovation.
5) Imagination and Creativity
Tesla’s imagination knew no bounds. His ability to think creatively and outside the conventional norms led to the development of numerous inventions and concepts. His innovative thinking encourages individuals to embrace their imagination, think beyond established boundaries, and explore uncharted territories.
If you ever feel like you’ve run out of inspiration for your work, grabbing any of Nikola Tesla’s maxims and using it as a workplace motivational quotes wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.
6) Altruism and Generosity of Knowledge
Tesla believed in the power of sharing knowledge for the betterment of society. He aimed to make his inventions accessible and often shared his ideas and findings with others, rather than hoarding them for personal gain. Tesla’s commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and his desire to contribute to the greater good highlight the importance of collaboration, open-mindedness, and the spirit of innovation.
Case in point, one of the reasons for Tesla and Westinghouse’s divergence was that Tesla’s vision for providing free electricity to the world using his alternating current (AC) technology conflicted with the business model of George Westinghouse. While Westinghouse greatly appreciated Tesla’s ideas and inventions, the practicality of providing free electricity globally conflicted with the financial sustainability of their projects.
9 Quotes of the Day and Encouraging Quotes for Work from Nikola Tesla
Nikola Tesla’s overarching goal and motivation were rooted in a selfless desire to contribute to the betterment of humanity. Throughout his career, Tesla aimed to harness the forces of nature for the service of mankind. He envisioned inventions and technologies that could improve the quality of life for people around the world.
Tesla’s commitment to advancing science and technology was driven by a profound belief in the potential for his innovations to benefit humanity on a global scale. His vision extended beyond personal gain, emphasizing the transformative impact of his work for the greater good. His altruistic ideals and passion for serving mankind are evident in his words and actions throughout his career.
Now that we have humanized him, we understand that although he is a genius and, as such, thinks differently than most ordinary folks, there is something we can relate to and emulate about him. After all, we are all part of the collective consciousness; at our core, we are the same. We experience grief, longing, triumph, and the entire gamut of emotions, questioning our existence and everything around us in between.
So, let’s take a dive into 9 of Nikola Tesla’s practical and relatable inspo quotes and perhaps apply one or two in our lives.
1)
“If you only knew the magnificence of the 3, 6, and 9, then you would have the key to the universe.” – Nikola Tesla
2)
“I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success … Such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything.” – Nikola Tesla
3)
“Of all things, I liked books best.” – Nikola Tesla
4)
“We all make mistakes, and it is better to make them before we begin.” – Nikola Tesla
5)
“Let the future tell the truth and evaluate each one according to his work and accomplishments. The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.” – Nikola Tesla
6)
“The desire that guides me in all I do is the desire to harness the forces of nature to the service of mankind.” – Nikola Tesla
7)
“Our virtues and our failings are inseparable, like force and matter. When they separate, man is no more.” – Nikola Tesla
8)
“Instinct is something which transcends knowledge. We have, undoubtedly, certain finer fibers that enable us to perceive truths when logical deduction, or any other willful effort of the brain, is futile.” – Nikola Tesla
9)
“The gift of mental power comes from God, Divine Being, and if we concentrate our minds on that truth, we become in tune with this great power.” – Nikola Tesla
Tesla’s legacy and quotations remind us that each person has a unique role in advancing humanity. By channeling even a fraction of his imagination and persistence, we too can break new ground.
Which ones of Nikola Tesla’s axioms will you choose as your best morning quotes, and which one as the quote for the day?
