A loud explosion pierces the city of West Orange, New Jersey, in 1914. The Edison manufacturing and experimental plant flashed into flames without warning.
Thomas Edison was one of the first to arrive at the scene, meeting the chaos with a surreal sense of calmness. He told his son, Charles, "Go get your mother and all her friends. They'll never see a fire like this again!"
Chemicals fueled the flames and lit the night sky as a spectacle show, although this was not a cheerful experience. Quite the opposite, as Mr. Edison's life work burns to ashes along with invaluable records and research.
Nikola Tesla, a dear friend and adversary, telegrams, "It is not only a personal and national loss, but a world loss, for you have been one of its greatest benefactors."
How did Edison remain so calm during this tragedy?
Mr. Edison was quoted in The New York Times once the fire died down, "Although I am over 67 years old, I'll start all over again tomorrow."
Notably, A. H. Wilson, the Vice President and General Manager for Mr. Edison, was on site fighting the flames until midnight. Once maintaining control of the enormous inferno, which took up much physical and mental energy, he stated, "There is only one thing to do. That is to jump right in and rebuild."
As promised, Edison and his employees returned to work the following day with a blaze burning inside their hearts. Financial losses from the fire estimated at just over $900,000. Edison was fortunate to receive a $750,000 loan from his fellow friend Henry Ford to get operations up and running again. With Edison and his team taking on double shifts, working around the clock, they generated nearly $10,000,000 in revenue the following year.
As tragic as an event this was, what if it never happened? Would Edison have had the same drive at 67 years old? Would he and his team go on to produce record number revenues that year?
Did this event HAVE to happen?
Is this how the duality of life exists in harmony, or did Edison make the most of his opportunities?
I don't have the answers, but I do encourage you to contemplate these questions and form your own opinions.
What would you do if you were in Edison's shoes?
Arriving at the scene to witness hell on earth as your life's work of blood, sweat, and tears obliterate into nothing.
Do you cry, scream, curse the gods, or watch this once in a lifetime nova in awe?
The reason Edison kept his cool and embraced the moment.
Yes, I have a glimpse of how frustrating this situation would be, and it's not like Edison didn't feel these negative emotions. However, he knew there wasn't anything he could do to stop it, and expressing his disappointment wouldn't do any justice.
Instead, he shifted his energy toward directing the firemen to prevent further explosions and save higher priority resources. He couldn't reverse what already happened, but he could help make things less worse.
He also knew that his physical possessions don't define him as his reputation and relationships are why he successfully rebounded to new heights. These are a man's most invaluable assets.
Greatness is accomplished collectively, not individually.
Embrace adversity, for you may never know what will come of it. Good or bad, right or wrong, pain or joy, wicked or virtuous; there is a lesson in every experience if you're willing to look.
December 9th, 1914