2 ms·

> Edison was a major douche bag, an obvious sociopath, which sort of overshadows what he actually invented, which actually number in the low double digits This

> Edison was a major douche bag, an obvious sociopath, which sort of overshadows what he actually invented, which actually number in the low double digits This is some sort of urban legend/myth that came about sometime in the early 2000s. Probably due to the Oatmeal. Edison was not a sociopath. Specifically with respect to Dally, Edison kept Dally on the payroll even when he was too sick to work, and IIRC personally paid out Dally's immediate family a coninuing pension after Dally's death. For the era around 1900 that was unheard of, and at the very least, evidence of humanity that you don't seem to be willing to admit.

catmistake 6y ago
Keeping Dally on the payroll doesn't negate that he initially showed no regard for Dally's nor his own safety, which is a sociopathic trait. It does not make up for Edison's ruthless practices, nor his unbridled ambition and greed. Edison had no respect for Tesla, even cruelly mocking him, behavior you'll find in sociopaths. Edison had a disregard for right and wrong, was consistently dishonest, a compulsive liar, even taking credit for the Fluoroscope which killed Dally, though Tesla had been working on it before Edison irresponsibly began messing around with it. Dishonesty is a sociopathic trait. Edison stiffed Tesla a significant amount of money he owed him for fixing his DC motor, and in fact, Edison would not share any of his wealth. Edison relished being the center of attention, another sociopathic trait. I could compromise with you and say we can't know for certain that he was a sociopath. He may have merely been a narcissist, as there are a number of overlapping symptoms.
catmistake 6y ago
Here is a list of symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder, taken from mayoclinic.org. Attribute any 5 to Thomas Edison (which I will CHECK), and it is a definitive diagnosis for sociopathy aka APD. Antisocial personality disorder signs and symptoms may include: Disregard for right and wrong -CHECK Persistent lying or deceit to exploit others -CHECK Being callous, cynical and disrespectful of others -CHECK Using charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain or personal pleasure -CHECK Arrogance, a sense of superiority and being extremely opinionated -CHECK Recurring problems with the law, including criminal behavior Repeatedly violating the rights of others through intimidation and dishonesty -CHECK Impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead -CHECK Hostility, significant irritability, agitation, aggression or violence -CHECK Lack of empathy for others and lack of remorse about harming others -CHECK Unnecessary risk-taking or dangerous behavior with no regard for the safety of self or others -CHECK Poor or abusive relationships -CHECK Failure to consider the negative consequences of behavior or learn from them -CHECK Being consistently irresponsible and repeatedly failing to fulfill work or financial obligations -CHECK Aggression toward people and animals -CHECK Destruction of property Deceitfulness -CHECK Theft -CHECK Serious violation of rules -CHECK Edison scores a 17 out of 20, so he most certainly was a textbook example of a sociopath.

catmistake 6y ago

Keeping Dally on the payroll doesn't negate that he initially showed no regard for Dally's nor his own safety, which is a sociopathic trait. It does not make up for Edison's ruthless practices, nor his unbridled ambition and greed. Edison had no respect for Tesla, even cruelly mocking him, behavior you'll find in sociopaths. Edison had a disregard for right and wrong, was consistently dishonest, a compulsive liar, even taking credit for the Fluoroscope which killed Dally, though Tesla had been working on it before Edison irresponsibly began messing around with it. Dishonesty is a sociopathic trait. Edison stiffed Tesla a significant amount of money he owed him for fixing his DC motor, and in fact, Edison would not share any of his wealth. Edison relished being the center of attention, another sociopathic trait. I could compromise with you and say we can't know for certain that he was a sociopath. He may have merely been a narcissist, as there are a number of overlapping symptoms.

catmistake 6y ago

Here is a list of symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder, taken from mayoclinic.org. Attribute any 5 to Thomas Edison (which I will CHECK), and it is a definitive diagnosis for sociopathy aka APD. Antisocial personality disorder signs and symptoms may include: Disregard for right and wrong -CHECK Persistent lying or deceit to exploit others -CHECK Being callous, cynical and disrespectful of others -CHECK Using charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain or personal pleasure -CHECK Arrogance, a sense of superiority and being extremely opinionated -CHECK Recurring problems with the law, including criminal behavior Repeatedly violating the rights of others through intimidation and dishonesty -CHECK Impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead -CHECK Hostility, significant irritability, agitation, aggression or violence -CHECK Lack of empathy for others and lack of remorse about harming others -CHECK Unnecessary risk-taking or dangerous behavior with no regard for the safety of self or others -CHECK Poor or abusive relationships -CHECK Failure to consider the negative consequences of behavior or learn from them -CHECK Being consistently irresponsible and repeatedly failing to fulfill work or financial obligations -CHECK Aggression toward people and animals -CHECK Destruction of property Deceitfulness -CHECK Theft -CHECK Serious violation of rules -CHECK Edison scores a 17 out of 20, so he most certainly was a textbook example of a sociopath.