Nikola Tesla

In Their Own Words

“The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.”

— Nikola Tesla

Areas of Expertise

Key Achievements

• Invented alternating current (AC) electrical system — powers the modern world
• Developed the Tesla coil, X-ray imaging, radio transmission, and remote control
• Held nearly 300 patents
• Died broke and alone — his work vindicated decades after his death
• Now recognized as one of the most consequential inventors in history

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