1) Life

Today's youth often view life as a checklist of experiences they must complete to feel fulfilled, as if the universe exists solely to satisfy their desires. For Tesla, life was fraught with challenges. He faced the tragic loss of his older brother at a young age and nearly succumbed to cholera in his youth. His romantic pursuits were complicated, and he ventured far from home to pursue education, eventually making his way to the United States.

By the end of his life, Tesla had endured unimaginable losses, including the deaths of 91 relatives during a local labor camp in Croatia, with many killed in the Jasenovac concentration camp during World War II. After leaving Edison’s employment, he worked menial jobs to survive. A devastating fire destroyed much of his work when he was 39, and he struggled to secure funding for his projects, ultimately dying in solitude and poverty.

Despite these hardships, he maintained that a meaningful life is rooted in effort and resilience: “A man is born to work, to suffer, and to fight. He who doesn’t must perish.”

Tesla’s journey was not one of privilege; he built his legacy from the ground up. Science was not just his profession; it was his passion and solace—something many could not grasp.

2) Embracing Uniqueness

In a society that idolizes wealth and superficial beauty, many aspire to emulate figures like Elon Musk or Kim Kardashian, equating fame with success. Yet, where has authenticity gone?

Tesla was inherently different: brilliant yet eccentric. His intense dedication often led him to spend countless hours in the lab, resulting in innovations that defined the 20th century. However, this zeal came with its challenges. His obsession with the number three led to peculiar habits, such as washing his hands repeatedly or meticulously counting his food.

While many viewed him as eccentric, he found joy in solitude, preferring the company of pigeons over people. “Anti-social behavior is a trait of intelligence in a world full of conformists.”

Standing out in a crowd can be daunting, but Tesla found contentment in his own company, surrounded only by his sisters in Europe and his birds.

3) The Essence of Self

In today's self-help culture, the narrative often suggests that change starts with personal habits: rise early, cultivate relationships, and maximize productivity to achieve happiness. But what if solitude is your preference?

For Tesla, isolation was not loneliness but a wellspring of creativity. Despite being labeled a mad scientist for his quirks, he embraced his idiosyncrasies as integral to his identity. He championed self-acceptance long before it became a mainstream notion, understanding that suppressing one's true nature leads to discontent. He believed in the inseparable nature of virtues and flaws: “Our virtues and our failings are inseparable, like force and matter. When they separate, man is no more.”

Modern psychology increasingly supports the idea that genuine happiness stems from embracing your true self, free from the fear of judgment.

4) The Pursuit of Happiness

Many equate happiness with idyllic vacations, sipping drinks by the sea, and an endless stream of income. However, this quest often leads to dissatisfaction.

Tesla, long before psychological studies explored the concept of the hedonic treadmill, recognized that people adapt to both positive and negative experiences. “We crave new sensations but soon become indifferent to them. The wonders of yesterday are today common occurrences.”

So where can fulfillment be found? Tesla, who never married or had children, found satisfaction in his work and loved ones, living a life rich in purpose despite financial challenges.

5) The Nature of Wealth

While everyone desires wealth, it often represents a means to alleviate feelings of inadequacy. True happiness, as Tesla understood, comes from using money to innovate rather than merely consume.

Despite his numerous inventions, Tesla died in poverty, having lost financial support for ambitious projects like the Wardenclyffe Tower, which aimed to provide free electricity worldwide. He never sought wealth for its own sake but rather for the opportunity to serve humanity: “Money does not represent such a value as man has placed in it. I invested all the money in inventions, which enabled new inventions, thus enabling an easier life for humanity.”

Thus, he lived modestly but dreamed grandly, with the exception of his elegant wardrobe.

6) Mastery of Self

Content individuals often exhibit modest desires. However, achieving self-discipline is challenging, as no one is perfectly moderate.

Tesla indulged in fashion, donning elegant suits and accessories, yet maintained an ascetic lifestyle. He abstained from meat and alcohol, practiced celibacy, and believed in the importance of physical activity, walking ten miles daily.

He asserted that self-control is key to well-being: “Man must exercise temperance and control of his senses and leanings in every way, thus keeping himself young in body and mind.”

His discipline contributed to his longevity, living to 86.5 years in an era when the average life expectancy was significantly lower.

7) The Bonds We Share

Understanding human connection doesn’t require expert advice; empathy and curiosity are often the best tools. Tesla read voraciously across various genres, from ancient texts to modern literature, and possessed an extraordinary memory.

His intellect was remarkable, likely surpassing many of his contemporaries, with a deep capacity for empathy. He believed in the interconnectedness of all beings: “Though free to think and act, we are held together, like the stars in the firmament, with ties inseparable.”

Grounded in a spiritual upbringing, Tesla explored natural laws rather than adhering strictly to religious dogma.

8) The Complexity of Existence

Summarizing the intricacies of life is no simple feat. Tesla reportedly hinted at ancient philosophical insights on living well, which emphasized harmony with both external and internal worlds.

He believed in safeguarding profound truths until humanity was ready to comprehend them, suggesting a revelation of knowledge in a millennium.

Throughout his life, Tesla reveled in the wonder of existence: “Life is and will ever remain an equation incapable of solution, but it contains certain known factors.”

Life transcends mere hacks and tips; it thrives in its unpredictability. Embracing the uncertainties of existence opens doors to possibilities beyond our fears. While life cannot be controlled, it can be navigated, much like Tesla did.

If you found this exploration engaging, consider following my publication, Fragments of History, for more insights.