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FoundersMarch 24, 2017
#3 The Wizard of Menlo Park: How Thomas Edison Invented The Modern the Modern World
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About This Episode
What I learned from reading The Wizard of Menlo Park: How Thomas Alva Edison Invented The Modern World by Randall Stross Edison starts his first business at 12 years old (11:00) Edison's discipline (20:00) Edison's rivalry with Alexander Graham Bell (38:00) Edison's friendship with Henry Ford (1:00:00) Edison's stoic nature (1:15:00) The death of Thomas Edison (1:21:00) ---- Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here. ---- “I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
Book Mentions
4 book mentions in this episode.
Jump to booksTip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.
Tip: Click a cover image to open a book link.
Books Mentioned
“Edison's father introduced his son to the highly esteemed writings of Thomas Paine, but young Edison did not inherit his father's interest in politics.”
Sentiment: Passing Reference
Trigger: Edison's early influences
For: Those interested in Edison's background and influences
Key quote: “His father introduced his son to the highly esteemed writings of Thomas Paine, but young Edison did not inherit his father's interest in politics.”
The host mentions Thomas Paine to highlight the influence of Edison's father on his early education and political thought. Although Edison did not share his father's interest in politics, the mention serves to illustrate the diverse influences that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Flash Boys
Michael Lewis
“The entire book is about high interval trading of stocks, where one company spends $300 million to run faster fiber optic cables, allowing them to see prices of stocks at a fraction of a second before others.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: high frequency trading
For: Individuals interested in finance and technology
Key quote: “I just, I read this book by Michael Lewis, one of my favorite authors, and it's called Flash Boys.”
The host mentions 'Flash Boys' to illustrate the ongoing relevance of speed in trading, drawing parallels between Edison's time and modern high-frequency trading. The book highlights how technology continues to evolve while human nature remains consistent in the pursuit of competitive advantage.
ASIN: B00HVJB4VM
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
“This book examines how Edison became one of the most famous people in the world and how he sought to use his fame for his own ends with uneven success.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Edison's impact on celebrity
For: Readers interested in the intersection of technology and celebrity culture.
Key quote: “Edison is famously associated... with the beginnings of movies, which is where the modern business of celebrity begins.”
The host discusses how Thomas Edison not only revolutionized technology but also transformed the concept of celebrity in American culture. The mention of the book 'Edison' serves to highlight Edison's unique role in merging fame with business during his era.
ASIN: B07VLBRWY8
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
“The host mentions a link for this book and every book that will be covered in the podcast, indicating it is part of the discussion on Thomas Edison.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Edison's phonograph demonstration
For: History enthusiasts and technology innovators
Key quote: “Thanks to Scientific American, Edison would never again enjoy the sweetness of anonymous obscurity.”
The host discusses Edison's groundbreaking demonstration of the phonograph, highlighting its significance in the history of recorded sound. This moment not only established Edison's reputation but also paved the way for future audio technologies, including podcasts.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.