My inventions
The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla
by Nikola Tesla · first published 1977
75% recommend25% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Tesla's vivid, well-written account of his own life and inventions shows how he thought, including his habit of visualizing designs in his head. Suits readers curious about the inventor's mindset and early development.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
From the Publisher My Inventions has been the primary source for all Tesla biographers. Editor Ben Johnston has a 16 page introduction that traces Tesla's career through a maze of sensationalism and controversy. From the Back Cover The reclusive, brilliant engineer who: Invented the Niagra power system that made Edison's obsolete Sold Westinghouse 40 patents that broke a General Electric monopoly Discovered the radio methods that Marconi converted into a fortune Built a radio-guided torpedo before Ford ended the horse-and-buggy era Tried, with J.P. Morgan's backing, to change the
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I recommend his autobiography, My Inventions, it is very excellent. Apart from everything else, the man has a way with words.
on “The Extraordinary Life of Nikola Tesla” ↗If you want to get into the mind of Tesla a bit I highly recommend "My Inventions", his sort of autobiography where he described how his mind worked. He spent a lot of time developing his imagination at a young age and "traveling" in his head. I was surprised to read that he would…
on “Nikola Tesla invention from 100 years ago suddenly makes more sense today” ↗Tesla's "My Inventions" autobiography http://www.teslinavizijainterneta.rs/wp-content/uploads/Nkol...
on “Ask HN: What are your recommended reads that are available for free?” ↗Both biography and autobiography Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! by Richard Feynman Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance My Life and Work by Henry Ford My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla by Ben Johnston and Nikola Tesla The Autobiography of Charles Darwin by Charles Darwin Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin…
on “Ask HN: Biographies recommendations – both Westerner and Non-westerner” ↗Agreed. Here's Nikola Tesla's autobiography book called "My Inventions" https://www.kevinsworkbench.com/teslasautobiography/my_early...
on “Ask HN: What is something important I should start doing in my 20s?” ↗…to demonstrate greatness, opportunity must meet pre-existing preparation. As such, I find the early lives of great people to be very interesting. As another example, I highly recommend Nicola Tesla's "My Inventions"; he was unbelievably prepared for greatness
on “A look inside Feynman’s calculus notebook” ↗http://www.amazon.com/My-Inventions-Autobiography-Nikola-Tes... (no affiliate link, weirdly I always had trouble finding Nikola Tesla related books / documentaries (I believe documentaries are still only on youtube / amateur)).
on “The Man Who Inspired Jobs” ↗His own biography (somewhat stilted writing, the constant "I" self-referrals, but, dense and very interesting): My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla http://www.amazon.com/My-Inventions-Autobiography-Nikola-Tes... He had his own vision of a "singularity" basically interconnectedness of all human kind across earth…
on “The Tesla Valve: One Way Flow With No Moving Parts” ↗…balance. There is no difference whatever, the results are the same. In this way I am able to rapidly develop and perfect a conception without touching anything. " - From Nikola Tesla's Autobiography "My Inventions"
on “Art student’s 407-piece hand-carved wooden clock (2016)” ↗Has anyone read the Nikola Tesla's biography "My Inventions"? The guy makes some absolutely mind-blowing predictions. For example, in Tesla's book he predicts drone based warfare and the global electronic distribution of music almost 100 years ahead of time.…
on “One Story of Nikola Tesla” ↗