It was a cold December night in West Orange, New Jersey. Thomas Edison’s factory was humming with activity. Work was proceeding on a variety of fronts as the great inventor was trying to turn more of his dreams into practical realities. Edison’s plant, made of concrete and steel, was deemed “fireproof.” As you may have already guessed, it wasn’t!
On that frigid night in 1914, the sky was lit up by a sensational blaze that had burst through the plant roof. Edison’s 24-year-old son, Charles, made a frenzied search for his famous inventor-father. When he finally found him, he was watching the fire. His white hair was blowing in the wind. His face was illuminated by the leaping flames. “My heart ached for him,” said Charles. “Here he was, 67 years old, and everything he had worked for was going up in flames. When he saw me, he shouted, ‘Charles! Where’s your mother?’ When I told him I didn’t know, he said, ‘Find her! Bring her here! She’ll never see anything like this as long as she lives.’”
Next morning, Mr. Edison looked at the ruins of his factory and said this of his loss: “There’s value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God, we can start anew.”
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Someone quoted St. Benedict at a meeting tonight, “each day we begin again”…and thank heavens for that!! (Though I’m not advocating extremes in this…no fires, please!)
What a story- I have never heard that one before! What a way to look at such a thing.
Well I think it’s safe to say that would not have been my response
Have a great weekend everyone.
What an amazing man. What a wonderful way to let bad news just roll off your back.
Enjoy the weekend. It’s snowing here in North Carolina
So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
I was aware of the fire in Edison’s factory but not this quote from him. What an incredible statement on fortitude. No matter what, we can always keep going.
Have a great weekend everyone
What a wonderful outlook. I am sure that would not be what I would have spoken. Definitely something to think about. Have a wonderful weekend PFO community.
I wonder if I would have reacted so. He must have been a man of great courage and fortitude and ready to let go and start afresh.
“All our mistakes are burned up.” What a gift! I’ll remember that story and that great quote when I feel the burden of all the mistakes I’m carrying around in that big sack over my shoulder. The one with all the “cringe-producing” memories of my blunders, faults, and frailties.
After reading Edison’s incredibly wise words, I glanced over at the Words of Wisdom:
“Of course there is no formula for success except, perhaps, an unconditional acceptance of life and what it brings.” — Arthur Rubenstein
Paul, thanks for giving us so much to ponder.
Oh dear, I think I would have had the same response as Simon!!!!!!!!!
Michelle’s quote of “each day we begin again” phew., I feel like “each hour” I have needed to begin again today, as my foot has sooooooo been in my mouth today. I do appreciate these Wisdom Stories to make me “sit up” and take note.
Now I think it is time to enjoy a walk in the snow and put my foot somewhere else.
Happy weekend all.
How funny, I was thinking “that is why he was successful, he saw the possibility in everything” then I read Lynda’s response and he affirmed that it was indeed why he was successful. What a lesson for us all. Great story!
I know it is not the correct use of the phrase, but I can’t help thinking that he experienced this disaster as a sort of “baptism by fire.” Past mistakes erased, and, thanks be to God, a chance to start anew.
Have a good weekend everyone!
or as Margaret Silf so aptly named it, “The Other Side of Chaos. ”
I usually manage to see the opportunity in catastrophe eventually, but never as a first reaction! Maybe I’ll get there someday.
Wonderful story. Made me think of Reconciliation and starting once more with a clean slate.
Please pray for my friend, his young family and his wife who passed away this morning.
Oh Simon, I am so sorry. Please be assured of my prayers for them.
Most heartfelt prayers for this family. I had so hoped for recovery for her
Prayers for you too Simon. It is so hard to see a friend go through such a painful loss.
Simon, I am so sorry for your friend and his family. I will be praying for them and for the repose of the soul of his wife as well as for you who will be a wonderful support for them. God bless.
I am so sorry to hear this , Simon.
Prayers for your dear friend, his family and you Simon.
May God grant them all, and you, comfort and peace.