Bloomberg reviews a new biography about inventor Thomas Edison, which portrays the famous inventor as a tireless worker and endless promoter.
The book also details Edison's shortcomings: his lack of savvy in business matters, and the liberal manner in which he bent the truth.
An excerpt from, "Thomas Edison Hoodwinks Reporters, Misjudges Markets in New Bio":
Edison persuaded a toadying press and eager investors that his rollout of this or that revolutionary invention was days or weeks away, chronically ``blurring the distinction between what he hoped for and what he had achieved.'' Anyone in business knows the phenomenon.
One day, he switched on a prototype light bulb for a visiting reporter. ``Sitting in front of the bulb that would burn out in a couple of minutes were he to leave it on beyond the brief demonstration, Edison was asked, `How long will it last?' He answered, `Forever, almost,''' writes Stross, a business professor at San Jose State University.
Interesting stuff. That first paragraph makes him sound a bit like Steve Jobs, doesn't it?
Check out the article and, if you have an interest in the life of this famous inventor, keep an eye out for the book.
The book also details Edison's shortcomings: his lack of savvy in business matters, and the liberal manner in which he bent the truth.
An excerpt from, "Thomas Edison Hoodwinks Reporters, Misjudges Markets in New Bio":
Edison persuaded a toadying press and eager investors that his rollout of this or that revolutionary invention was days or weeks away, chronically ``blurring the distinction between what he hoped for and what he had achieved.'' Anyone in business knows the phenomenon.
One day, he switched on a prototype light bulb for a visiting reporter. ``Sitting in front of the bulb that would burn out in a couple of minutes were he to leave it on beyond the brief demonstration, Edison was asked, `How long will it last?' He answered, `Forever, almost,''' writes Stross, a business professor at San Jose State University.
Interesting stuff. That first paragraph makes him sound a bit like Steve Jobs, doesn't it?
Check out the article and, if you have an interest in the life of this famous inventor, keep an eye out for the book.