Here's How Nikola Tesla's Childhood Cat Started His Fascination With Electricity
By age 56, Nikola Tesla, a physicist, engineer, and inventor, had lived as a recluse. Nursing his pride after the recent commercial failure of his Wardenclyffe Tower, the prolific inventor withdrew from the "blind, faint-hearted, doubting world!"
According to Smithsonian Magazine, Tesla showed signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder. "He became consumed with cleanliness and fixated on the number three: excessively washing his hands, counting his steps, staying only in hotel rooms with numbers divisible by three, and setting 18 napkins on his table during meals."
Apart from his aversion to women's accessories, particularly pearls, the eccentric father of alternating current claimed to have an increased sensitivity to sounds and an acute sense of sight. Most intriguing of all, Tesla preferred the company of pigeons over people.
It wasn't unusual for the great scientist to be spotted at Bryant Park, surrounded by pigeons he regularly fed with a mix specially prepared at his request by the chef at the Hotel New Yorker. He was also known to bring injured pigeons he found on his walks back to his hotel room to nurse them back to health.
There was one particular white pigeon that seemed to have captured the heart of the genius. He wrote, "I loved that pigeon as a man loves a woman, and she loved me. As long as I had her, there was a purpose to my life."
The pigeon flew into his hotel room, and Tesla believed she did so to tell him she was dying. After seeing two powerful beams of light from the pigeon's eyes, she died in Tesla's arms, and he said that was the moment he knew his life's work was finished.
Long before the infamous pigeon, Tesla also had a childhood cat that played a significant role in his life and career.
In a letter to Miss Pola Fotitch in 1939, as illustrated for the PBS website, Tesla spoke of his cat Macak. Tesla was 83 when he wrote the letter, just three years before his death.
In the letter, Macak was introduced to us as Tesla's "fountain of enjoyment" and "the finest of all cats in the world."
The Link Between Childhood and Genius
Experts in child psychology emphasize the profound impact of early experiences on later creativity and innovation. Dr. Steven Pinker, a renowned cognitive scientist, explains that childhood interactions with animals, like Tesla's cat, can stimulate curiosity and emotional intelligence. This engagement with nature fosters a sense of wonder and intrinsic motivation, crucial for scientific exploration.
Research shows that children who bond with pets often develop greater empathy and problem-solving skills. Engaging with pets can also serve as a source of comfort, promoting a supportive environment for experimentation and exploration.
The emotional connection between Tesla and his childhood cat illustrates the profound role pets can play in human creativity. Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, highlights that pets provide emotional stability and companionship, which can significantly influence cognitive development. This bond can spark innovative thinking by offering emotional support during challenging times.
To foster a similar environment, families should consider integrating pets into their children's lives, promoting responsibilities like feeding and care. This involvement can build empathy and encourage exploration, ultimately leading to a more inquisitive mindset that benefits future innovators.
Tesla said Macak followed him around in his desire to protect him from perceived danger. No human or animal dared cross their path when Macak rose to his full height to shield little Tesla from those who would hurt him.
Tesla recalled the happy memories of him and Macak rolling on the grass, clawing and purring at each other in "delirious delight." This was their favorite activity every day, although they refrained from doing it when it rained.
He said his cat avoided any form of water and would jump six feet into the air to prevent getting his paws wet. Next, he told Pola about the typically dry weather in their area during winter. The infrequent warm wind that melted the snow and caused flooding in their locale was still etched in his mind nearly 80 years later.
According to Dr. Ian Kerner, a leading sex therapist, the obsessional traits displayed by Tesla, such as his compulsive behaviors, can often stem from a combination of genius and mental health challenges. These traits, while potentially debilitating, can also fuel creativity and innovation. It's crucial to recognize that many renowned inventors and artists have faced similar challenges.
Dr. Kerner suggests that therapy focusing on self-acceptance and cognitive-behavioral techniques can help individuals channel their obsessive traits into productive outlets, ultimately fostering creativity while managing their mental health.
In one of the driest winters he had experienced in his youth, as Tesla stroked Macak's back, something happened that he would never forget.
He wrote, "In the dusk of the evening, as I stroked Macak's back, I saw a miracle that left me speechless with amazement. Macak's back was a sheet of light, and my hand produced a shower of sparks loud enough to be heard all over the house."
Even his father, who usually had an answer for everything, was dumbfounded. His father said, "This is nothing but electricity, the same thing you see through the trees in a storm." His mother, although charmed by Macak, urged Tesla to stop playing with the cat lest they start a fire.
Tesla was struck by the phenomenon and wondered if the universe was a gigantic cat whose back was stroked by God.
Tesla further said he also saw an aura around Macak that night when the cat stepped down and shook his paws. "I cannot exaggerate the effect of this marvelous night on my childish imagination," he said of the events.
Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Traits
Understanding the interplay between creativity and obsessive-compulsive traits can illuminate Tesla's genius. Dr. Barry Schwartz, a noted choice researcher, mentions that individuals with these traits often exhibit heightened focus and attention to detail, which can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. However, he cautions that such traits can also become obstacles if left unchecked.
To harness these traits productively, Schwartz recommends structured routines and setting specific goals. By doing so, individuals can create a balance that allows for both creativity and mental well-being, preventing the descent into harmful compulsions.
The fascinating physicist said he asked himself, "What is electricity?" every day since that night. Even as he wrote the letter, the question remained unanswered, said Tesla.
He told Pola to be skeptical of any scientist who claimed they had already answered everything about electricity. He said if they knew the answer, then he would, too.
He believed his chances were better than those of others because he had scientific research spanning three generations in his arsenal. If only young Tesla knew what that fated winter night with Macak would spark for him and the generations that followed.
Research-Based Understanding
Nikola Tesla's relationship with his childhood cat underscores the complex interplay between emotional bonds and creativity. Experts like Dr. Helen Fisher emphasize that such connections can significantly enhance cognitive development and emotional resilience.
By fostering environments where children can bond with animals, we may nurture future innovators who balance creativity with emotional intelligence. Implementing structured routines, as suggested by Dr. Barry Schwartz, can also help manage obsessive tendencies, allowing individuals to thrive both personally and professionally. Embracing these insights can inspire a new generation of thinkers.
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