What does plowing a potato field have to do with the invention of a television? For Philo Farnsworth, it was the vision of parallel lines of earth which gave birth to his idea to create a television using "parallel lines of light."
You can read all about this extraordinary inventor in Kathleen Krull's picture book, The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth.
It's amazing how a little time in nature can help us to connect the dots and see the big picture, isn't it? But it wasn't just nature that helped a child to envision the creation of the very first television; he also had a burning curiosity.
Philo loved to ask questions, and became interested in all things mechanical, from a very young age. He had such a thirst for knowledge, but also the ability to connect seemingly unrelated dots. He was not only a born inventor, but someone I would consider to be the truest of lifelong learners.
Philo loved to read, and used his knowledge and vision to create many different types of gadgets. He kept searching for ways to make life easier not only for himself, but the rest of the world too.
He was only 14 when he had his vision of "parallel lines of light," and it took many years for him to bring his vision to life. Most people could not even begin to understand his revolutionary ideas, and it took him much time, effort, and persistence to see them through. But he never gave up. He believed in himself.
Eventually, Philo found some investors; but it was not until 1927 that Philo officially presented an image on the very first television. A year later, he announced its official invention.
Why have most of us never heard of Philo Farnsworth? Unfortunately, as per the author's note, a well-known corporation later took advantage of his lack of business acumen, and his credit as the real inventor got lost in the shuffle.
So, it's a wonderful thing when authors such as Kathleen Krull shed light on the truth like this. In a world where many people would rather copy the ideas of others than come up with their own, I think we can all learn a lot from the story of Philo Farnsworth.
What I love most about this particular book is that it shows young readers how powerful the mind and the imagination can really be. In taking us back to the time before many people even had electricity, let alone a television, children will come to understand what it was like to live without cell phones, video games, and computers. I think they'll be fascinated. Don't you?
While advanced technology is a wonderful convenience, we are reminded that without passionate people like Philo Farnsworth, the world would not be where it is today. But it is the imagination, not advanced technology, which we cannot afford to lose.
This Nonfiction Monday is being hosted by Playing by the Book! Coincidentally, this mom has written all about inventions this week too! So, if you'd like to connect the dots, please check out her post. You can find some other links to nonfiction books there too.
Have a great week! And as usual, any thoughts, comments, or suggestions are always welcome here.