1. Thomas Edison was one of the greatest inventors in history, with over 1,000 patents to his name. He was born on February 11, 1844, in Milan, Ohio, and grew up in Port Huron, Michigan.

2. Even as a child, Edison was curious about how things worked. At age 7, he built a chemistry lab in his basement and performed experiments that often resulted in explosions. He was partially deaf from a bout with scarlet fever and later suffered from chronic ear infections.

3. In his early 20s, Edison moved to New York City and began working as a telegraph operator. He saved money by living in a basement and subsisting on a diet of crackers and water. During this time, he worked on his inventions at night, including the stock ticker machine that made him the financial success he needed to focus on his true passion: inventing.

4. Edison’s most famous invention is the incandescent light bulb. Although other inventors had worked on similar devices, Edison’s bulb was the first practical and long-lasting one. He also created the first electric power generation and distribution system.

5. Despite his many successes, Edison faced setbacks and failures throughout his career. He famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

6. In his later years, Edison became more interested in experimenting with chemicals and materials. He died on October 18, 1931, after a long and productive life.

Thomas Edison’s life was marked by curiosity, hard work, and persistence. His inventions changed the world and continue to shape it today.