If you don’t know much about Nikola Tesla, it’s not surprising. Unfortunately, not that many people are familiar with the man who would turn 158 next month. He’s the inventor of the Tesla coil and a few other significantly important pieces of machinery. He is one of the founding fathers of machinery and his role in the world was one of great importance; much of what we have and know today wouldn’t be possible without him. Here are five things you just didn’t know about Nikola Tesla.
He Was Terrified of Pearls
A writer who composed a book detailing the most intimate details of Tesla’s life discovered that the inventor was terrified of pearls. So much so, in fact, that he was believed to ignore women who wore them. He wouldn’t even speak to a woman in pearls. He would send his assistant home if she dared to wear them to work, as well.
He’s a Child of Darkness
He’s not, really. However he was born close to midnight on his birthday during a terrible lightning storm. Legend has it that his mother’s midwife was distraught about the terrible storm, protesting his birth and telling his parents that he would be born a child of darkness and that the lightning was a bad sign. It is believed that his mother corrected the midwife by telling him she believed her child would be one of light and not darkness.
He Had Friends in High Places
Many people are unaware of the fact that Nikola Tesla’s circle of friends was quite large and quite impressive. Had he lived in modern times, he’d be a sort of celebrity socialite, spending his time with the rich and famous. In his time, however, those socialites and celebs were men by the name of Henry Clay Frick, John Muir and Thomas Fortune Ryan.
He was a Germaphobe
As a teen, Tesla suffered from a bout of cholera which nearly took his life. From there, a fear of germs was discovered. It was believed that after that, the inventor became obsessed with good hygiene. At the time, it was considered eccentric. Today it would be referred to as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The extent of his OCD habit is speculation, but it’s believed he was fearful of shaking hands, touching others and going too long without excessive hand washing.
He Lived Luxuriously
Something else you may or may not know about Tesla is the fact that he didn’t just live in New York City. He lived at the Waldorf Astoria. Nothing was good enough for him but the legendary and luxurious high-end hotel. He spent much of his life calling the Waldorf home, coming and going as he pleased and even conducting many of his experiments in the hotel.
Photo Source: Energy.gov
