A Brilliant Brain

Nikola Tesla

1856–1943 — Serbia/USA

Era: Modern

Brilliance: 10/10 | Stewardship: 10/10 | Composite Index: 100

He lit the world and died in the dark.

"The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine."

Biography

Invented AC power, contributed to radio, Xray, remote control. Over 300 patents. Gave up royalties worth billions. Died penniless in Room 3327 of the New Yorker Hotel, feeding pigeons.

Key Facts

  • 300+ patents across 26 countries
  • Gave up AC royalties worth billions
  • Spoke eight languages
  • Died with ~$2,000 to his name
  • Could visualize complete machines before building them

The man who gave away the power grid.

Total BrainCoins: 7

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