Thomas Edison evokes a lot of different images, from famous inventor to snide bastard who made a fortune off the work of others. Regardless of personal feelings towards the man, he is an important part of the history of the world, and the advancements he and his group of inventors made are with us each day.
Edison Says Chicago Dirtiest Ever
Thomas A. Edison, “the wizard of electricity,” arrived in Chicago last night.
The first thing he said was that Chicago was one of the dirtiest cities he ever had visited.
“The Illinois Central ought to electrify its terminal. I’ll suggest it to President Markham the next time I see him,” he said.
His next remark dealt with the weather. He said he never would have come to Chicago if he had any idea that it was so cold here.
“I’ll need to think up some plan to eliminate the frost from Chicago’s atmosphere,” said the Wizard. “Might bring the aurora borealis from the North Pole, and heat it up,” he added thoughtfully.
At a banquet given by a former employee last night, Edison gave some characteristic ‘advice to young men,’ and a number of the epigrams that have increased his fame. Here are some:
1. “It pays to be a live wire. The dead ones are made up into door mats.”
2. “Young man, work hard. Become more interested in your work than the old man.”
3. “Don’t worry over the loss of money. It plays only a small part in our lives.”
4. “No one should be such a fool as to believe in atheism. Every person who thinks must believe in a supreme intelligence.”
5. “When you get a job, pitch into your work; and pay no attention to the clock, or the time, or anything else.”
6. “Keep plugging. Thats the only way to get on.”
Source: (1912, January 06). Edison Says Chicago Dirties Ever. The Day Book, p. 3.
