History Extra Podcast: "Nikola Tesla: Life of the Week" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: May 5, 2025
Host: Ellie Cawthorn
Historian Guest: Ewan Morris, Professor of History at Aberystwyth University and Author of "Nikola Tesla and the Electrical Future"

Introduction

In this episode of the History Extra podcast, host Ellie Cawthorn engages in an in-depth discussion with historian Ewan Morris to unravel the life and legacy of Nikola Tesla. The conversation delves beyond the commonly portrayed image of Tesla as an eccentric genius, exploring his genuine contributions, the myths surrounding him, and the enduring impact of his work on contemporary culture.

Early Life and Education

Ewan Morris begins by tracing Tesla's origins, painting a vivid picture of his early years.
[05:12] Historian:
Nikola Tesla was born in Smiljan in 1856, then on the border of the Austrian and Ottoman Empires (now Croatia). His Serbian heritage and the tumultuous environment of his birthplace played a significant role in shaping his early interests.

Tesla's fascination with electricity reportedly ignited during his childhood. An illustrative anecdote from his autobiography recounts how playing with his cat, Macaque, sparked his curiosity about electrical phenomena. Despite his father’s initial desire for him to enter the priesthood, Tesla pursued electrical engineering, attending Graz Polytechnic and later University of Prague, though he did not complete his degrees.

Career Beginnings and Relationship with Edison

Morris details Tesla's professional trajectory, highlighting his early work in telegraphy in Budapest before moving to Paris to work under Thomas Edison.
[08:54] Historian:
While Tesla and Edison had a professional relationship, it was short-lived. Tesla's innovative suggestions were largely ignored by Edison, leading to Tesla's departure and the perpetuation of the mythic Tesla-Edison feud.

This segment underscores the "battle of the currents," where Tesla championed alternating current (AC) while Edison advocated for direct current (DC). Tesla's invention of the polyphase AC motor was pivotal, eventually leading to the widespread adoption of AC systems over DC, reshaping the electrical infrastructure.

Visionary Projects and the Wardenclyffe Tower

The discussion transitions to Tesla's ambitious projects in the 1890s, particularly his vision for wireless transmission of electricity.
[13:11] Historian:
Tesla envisioned a future where electricity could be transmitted wirelessly through the ether, eliminating the need for cumbersome wires.

To materialize this vision, Tesla constructed the Wardenclyffe Tower on Long Island with funding from J.P. Morgan. However, the project ultimately failed due to flawed scientific assumptions and insufficient funding, leading to its abandonment and Tesla's financial decline.

Public Persona and Later Years

Morris explores Tesla's dual nature as both a public showman and a private individual.
[25:03] Historian:
Tesla enjoyed the high life in the 1890s, mingling with celebrities like Mark Twain at places like Delmonico's. Yet, he remained a private man, rarely revealing his inner thoughts.

Despite his early success, Tesla's later years were marked by loneliness and obscurity. His grandiose projects dwindled, and he spent his final years in relative poverty, passing away alone in a New York hotel in 1943.

Tesla’s Mythos and Modern Resonance

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the enduring myths surrounding Tesla and their influence on modern culture.
[29:49] Ellie Cawthorn:
"In your view, Ewan, does Tesla's story resonate with today's tech culture, particularly the image of the 'tech bro' as a modern-day Tesla?"

[30:17] Historian:
Tesla was a pioneer in creating the archetype of the solitary, iconoclastic genius. This myth perpetuates the notion that groundbreaking innovations stem from disruptive individuals rather than collective efforts.

Morris argues that this myth undermines the reality of technological progress, which is typically a collaborative endeavor involving countless contributors. He warns against the glorification of the lone inventor, emphasizing the importance of recognizing collective achievement in scientific advancements.

Tesla’s Concrete Legacy

Despite the myths, Tesla's tangible contributions to science and technology are undeniable.
[28:50] Historian:
The polyphase motor, patented in 1888, was Tesla's most significant technological contribution. It provided AC systems with a substantial advantage over DC, facilitating the widespread adoption of AC electricity.

This invention not only revolutionized electrical engineering but also laid the foundation for modern power distribution systems, cementing Tesla's place in history as a key figure in the electrification of the world.

Tesla’s Name in Modern Times

The episode concludes with a reflection on Tesla's legacy through the lens of contemporary branding.
[34:30] Ellie Cawthorn:
"If you mention Tesla today, many think of Elon Musk's company rather than Nikola Tesla himself. How might Tesla have felt about his name being used in this context?"

[34:48] Historian:
Tesla would likely have been delighted, seeing it as recognition of his contributions. However, he might have also insisted on his own role in pioneering electric technology, possibly disputing Musk’s claims to innovation.

This segment highlights how Tesla's name has transcended his original contributions, becoming synonymous with innovation and electric technology in the modern era, even if it sometimes overshadows his true legacy.

Conclusion

Ewan Morris encapsulates Tesla's nuanced legacy, advocating for a balanced remembrance of his genuine contributions and the myths he helped create.
[36:14] Historian:
We should remember Tesla as the inventor of the polyphase motor and as a figure who shaped the myth of the solitary genius. Recognizing the collective nature of technological progress is essential to understanding and advancing science today.

Through this episode, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Nikola Tesla's life, distinguishing between the man and the myth, and appreciating his lasting impact on both technology and cultural narratives surrounding innovation.

Notable Quotes:

• [02:00] Ewan Morris:
  "Nikola Tesla is remembered as an enigmatic eccentric genius who harnessed the power of electricity. But if we strip away some of this myth, what can we really say about the inventor's life and legacy?"

• [05:12] Historian:
  "Tesla was very good at telling the right kind of stories about himself. [...] His father explained to him that these were electrical sparks, this was electricity."

• [30:17] Historian:
  "Tesla played a key role at the end of the 19th century in inventing this particular myth of where invention comes from, how invention happens."

• [36:14] Historian:
  "We should remember him as the inventor of the polyphase motor. We should remember him as an inventor of a myth."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, outlining Tesla's contributions, personal life, the myths surrounding him, and his enduring legacy in both historical and modern contexts.