Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) was an American inventor and businessman who is widely considered one of the most influential figures in modern history. He is best known for his numerous inventions, including the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the long-lasting electric light bulb.
Born in Milan, Ohio, Edison showed an early interest in science and technology. However, he only received three months of formal education before being homeschooled by his mother. Despite this, he was a voracious reader and self-taught himself through books and experiments.
In 1869, Edison moved to New York City to pursue a career as an inventor. He established his first laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey, where he worked on developing new inventions. In 1877, he invented the phonograph, which could record and play back sound. This invention brought him international fame and established him as a leading figure in the field of technology.
Edison's most famous invention is undoubtedly the electric light bulb. After years of experimentation and improvements, he successfully created a long-lasting incandescent light bulb that could be used commercially. This invention revolutionized the way people lived by providing safe and reliable lighting for homes and businesses.
