Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847.

Edison illuminated the world, created the recording and motion picture industries and invented the notion of systematic innovation. He also invented the electric storage battery. Edison believed that battery power would offer a more environmentally sound approach to powering the automobile. And, in 1931, shortly before his death he advised his friends, including Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, that it would be prudent to begin “harnessing the energy of the sun before all the coal and gas run out.”

Although renowned for his nuts and bolts approach to solving technical problems, Edison also offered rare musings on metaphysics, including this observation:

I do not believe that matter is inert, acted upon by an outside force. To me it seems that every atom is possessed by a certain amount of primitive intelligence. Look at the thousand ways in which atoms of hydrogen combine with those of other elements, forming the most diverse substances. Do you mean to say that they do this without intelligence? Atoms in harmonious and useful relation assume beautiful or interesting shapes and colors, or give forth a pleasant perfume, as if expressing their satisfaction… Finally, they combine in man, who represents the total intelligence of all the atoms. Thomas Edison

Atoms clearly combined in an exceptionally creative way to manifest the world changing genius of Thomas Edison. Happy Birthday!

Learn Edison’s 5-Step System for Breakthrough Business Success by reading Innovate Like Edison co-authored by Thomas Edison’s great grandniece Sarah Miller Caldicott.