When I think of young geniuses, I think of all the
characters that I grew up watching on television such as Jimmy Neutron, Dexter
from “Dexter’s Laboratory,” and Doogie from “Doogie Howser M.D.” Little did I
know that a young genius actually invented television! The name of this
intelligent young boy is Philo T. Farnsworth.
Farnsworth was a farm boy raised in Rigby, Idaho.
The idea of electronic television came to him at age 14 when he was plowing a
field for his family’s farm. The back and forth lines caused by his plow’s motion
inspired his idea of the “image dissector”: the idea that a lens can direct
light into a glass camera tube, in which the image is split into electrons that
are transmitted one line at a time on the screen. This concept became a reality
years later and has not only changed broadcasting, but also society forever!
Sadly, even though Farnsworth gets credit for the original idea, the blueprint
and prototype for the electronic television, he did not become as rich as most
people thought he would be. Later in life, however, he held over 300 patents
including a "fusor." Farnsworth's life proves that ideas can change
lives no matter the age of its creator. Many people did not grasp Philo's
concept when he first came up with it, but Farnsworth did not let that stop
him. To me, that kind of determination at a young age is inspiration in
itself. Even though Farnsworth might not be a huge name in most history
books, his legacy in the broadcast world cannot be overlooked!
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