Thomas Edison and the Light Bulb: Beyond the Myth

Thomas Edison is often seen as a self-taught genius, but his education was significantly influenced by his mother, a teacher. Myths about his minimal sleep and hearing loss have been perpetuated, often by Edison himself, to enhance his image. Despite claims of sleeping only a few hours, Edison was frequently photographed napping. His hearing loss stories range from dramatic tales of railroad accidents to more plausible causes like ear infections. Edison's mythmaking was a marketing strategy to promote his inventions and persona, leading to a legendary status that historians must carefully scrutinize.

What role did Edison's mother play in his education?

What is one myth about Edison's sleeping habits?

How did Edison describe his deafness and its impact on his work?

What were some possible causes of Edison's deafness?

Why did Edison create myths about himself?