I'm reading a biography of Thomas Edison by Edmund Morris.
On December 9th, 1914, a great fire engulfed thirteen buildings across more than half the complex of Edison, Inc. I found it very interesting how Thomas Edison reacted, especially given our closing of 2020 and entrance into 2021.
He joined the crowd of townspeople watching and said, "'Get Mother and her friends over here,' he said to Charles[his son]. 'They'll never see a fire like this again.'"
Later, near the end of the flames, he said, "Yes, Maxwell, a big fortune has gone up in flames tonight, but isn't it a beautiful sight?"
After learning insurance would cover less than a third of the damages, he "radiated energy and excitement as he rose to the challenge of full recovery in the new year. 'I am sixty-seven....I've been through a lot of things like this. It protects a man from being afflicted with ennui.'"
This is so heartening. Thank you for sharing, Justin!
ReplyDeleteThis is so heartening. Thank you for sharing, Justin!
ReplyDeleteit is so interesting to me that you read biographies, Justin. I haven't been drawn to them in the past, but I can tell from just this passage that they must offer great insight to you.
ReplyDeleteLast year, I did read Jim Forest's book about Thomas Merton, Living with Wisdom. I loved it because it had excerpts of Merton's writings next to the information about his life at the time of the writing. It was a great book, if you have any interest in Merton's life.
What other biographies do you recommed, Justin?