Nikola Tesla: The Man Who Lit the World

Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and physicist, best known for his contributions to the development of alternating current electrical systems. Born in Smiljan, now in Croatia, Tesla was fascinated by electricity from a young age. He emigrated to the United States in 1884, where he briefly worked with Thomas Edison before establishing his own laboratories and companies. Tesla's pioneering work in AC power included the development of the AC induction motor and transformer, which laid the groundwork for modern electrical power distribution. He also conducted groundbreaking experiments in wireless transmission, radio waves, and X-rays. His vision of a world powered by wireless energy, exemplified by the ambitious but unfinished Wardenclyffe Tower project, showcased his innovative spirit. Despite his genius, Tesla faced numerous financial and personal challenges. Many of his later years were marked by isolation and poverty, as he struggled to find backers for his more ambitious ideas. Tesla died in New York City in 1943, largely forgotten by the public at the time. Today, he is celebrated as one of history's most influential inventors, with his work laying the foundation for many modern technological advancements.