This must be one of the most obscure busted-myths of Americana that I've ever known. Edison has been a folk hero of science since my birth. His name was synonymous with "genius" like St. Mother Teresa's name was synonymous with "charity". Nobody questioned Edison or his legacy.
It's not surprising that Edison was a mixture of genius plus 20th-century hype machine mastery, and I suppose that most inventor-scientists have strong, eccentric personalities.
I think Edison also had a bit of Warhol going on, in that he could command a cadre of workers to do his bidding and git 'er done. I was going to cite his quote about inspiration and perspiration, but that belongs to Kate Sanborn! Another Edison myth, busted!
It's not surprising that Edison was a mixture of genius plus 20th-century hype machine mastery, and I suppose that most inventor-scientists have strong, eccentric personalities.
I think Edison also had a bit of Warhol going on, in that he could command a cadre of workers to do his bidding and git 'er done. I was going to cite his quote about inspiration and perspiration, but that belongs to Kate Sanborn! Another Edison myth, busted!