Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla Personality Trait Comparison - Term Paper Example

Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla Personality Trait Comparison Introduction It is true that the personality of an individual effectively depends upon different personality traits and behavior of the individuals. This assignment will conduct a comparison study between the personality of Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Nikola Tesla was an innovative engineer. He had his expertise in both mechanical and electrical engineering field. Moreover, he was popular as an inventor and futurist. He was famous for his efforts and contribution to the development and designing of contemporary and advanced AC or alternating current electricity supply system. Nikola Tesla was Serbian-American engineer and inventor. Nikola Tesla was born in the year 1856 and died in the year 1943. Nikola Tesla can be considered as one of the great personalities. Thomas Edison was born in the year 1847 and died in the year 1931. He was considered as a popular American businessman and inventor. In his lifetime, Thomas Edison has developed many devices, which greatly impacted the life of people around the world. He was popular due to his invention of motion picture camera, phonograph and durable practical electric light bulb. Thomas Edison was the first inventors to implement large-scale teamwork and mass production principle to the procedure of invention. He was a prolific inventor and he is often credited for his invention of first ever industrial research laboratory. It is true that both the individuals are legendry inventor of electronic goods and other engineering goods in America as well as entire globe. The personality traits of these individuals are different due to different personality psychology of these individuals. Personality psychology can be considered as an important branch of psychology, which studies traits and variation of personality between two or more than two individuals. The area of personality psychology generally includes three aspects, such as building of an individual’s logical picture and major psychological processes of those individuals, investigation and study of psychological differences between the individuals, and investigation of psychological similarities between different individuals and human nature of different individuals. Personality can be considered as an organized and dynamic set of different characteristics possessed by an individual that significantly influence and motivate their cognition, emotions, environment and behavioral science in several situations. However, this assignment will compare the personality of Edison and Tesla based on the utilization of development trait theories and personality theories. Analysis Personality can be referred to the pattern of social adjustments, feelings, behaviors and thoughts. Personality constantly displayed over time and it strongly motivates and influences expectations, attitudes, values and self-perception of an individual. Nikola Tesla was an eccentric genius and brilliant scientist, whose creativity and invention enabled contemporary mass-communication and power system. On the other hand, Thomas Edison was the former boss and nemesis of Nikola Tesla. Thomas Edison was one of the iconic American inventors. He invented phonographic, moving picture and light bulb. In terms of invention, Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison were different. But, it is quite difficult to say who is a greater inventor as the American society needs the innovation of some Tesla’s and some Edison’s. According to several critiques, it is true that Thomas Edison show the path of invention and several scientists and inventors invented based on Edison’s formulae and pathway. It can be also said that Nikola Tesla is one of the dictators of Thomas Edison. Nikola Tesla has patent on its 300 inventions. But, on the other hand, Thomas Edison has patent on its 1200 inventions. Therefore, in terms of comparison, it can be stated that Thomas Edison might be more brilliant or creative or intelligent comparing to Nikola Tesla. But, in terms of personality, both these individuals are quite different and unique. Nikola Tesla vs. Thomas Edison Personality Comparison It is true that Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison availed different personality traits due to differences in behavioral characteristics and attitudes. Nikola Tesla’s personality trait was the mix of idealistic dreamer and visionary inventor. On the other hand, Thomas Edison was of negative characteristics. It is true that negative characteristics or personality trait can be considered as an inadequate attitude reflex of an individual. In general, there are two types of personality characteristics that can be found in an individual. An individual can motivate and influence others through his attitude, vision and positive personality (Matthews, 2003). On the other hand, an individual can de-motivate others through his or her rude behavior and negative personality. However, these types of personality can be identified in Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. Despite the huge successful as one of the leading investors, Thomas Edison can be lacked behind Nikola Tesla in terms of personality traits and attitudes. According to several critiques, it is true that the invention of Nikola Tesla cannot be remembered sanguinely comparing to the inventions of Thomas Edison. But, Nikola Tesla’s openness, positive attitude, visionary leadership and influential skills will make him a great leader that Thomas Edison. Several trait theories can be discussed in this part of the assignment in order to compare the personality of Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Gordon Allport’s Trait Theory Gordon Allport developed different types of trait theories by studying and examining different types of personality psychology of different individuals. According to him, central traits are fundamental of the personality of an individual. On the other hand, secondary traits are quite tangential comparing to the central traits (Feist, Feist & Roberts, 2013). Allport mentioned about other two traits, such as Cardinal traits and common traits. Common traits are generally recognized within the individuals and these traits used to vary from an individual to another individual based on the cultural differences. On the other hand, cardinal traits are that kinds of traits by which a person can be strongly recognized. In the case of Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, it can be stated that the personality traits of Tesla are considered as cardinal personality traits. It has been mentioned earlier that Tesla may not have been much remembered for his innovations but his positive attitude and visionary personality will make him remembered for several years. On the other hand, the personality traits of Thomas Edison can be considered as common personality trait. It is true that Thomas Edison can be remembered only through his innovation. But, his negative personality approach cannot make him a visionary or great leader. Raymond Cattell’s Trait Theory According to the research of Raymond Cattell, personality structure can be propagated with sixteen central factors and five secondary factors. According to his views, personality of an individual permits a prophecy of what an individual will do in a specific situation. In this case, Nikolas Tesla had the ability to influence other individuals through his visionary innovation and leadership style (Lester, 2004). He had the ability to motivate others through his speech and presentation. This ability of an individual can be generated through the attitude, nature, behavior and typical personality of an individual. On the other hand, Thomas Edison lacked this trait. He did not have positive trait to influence other individuals surrounding him. It is quite important for a great and positive personality to motivate the sub-ordinates and followers. But, Edison’s negative approach was highly criticized for his negative personality trait. It was his central trait that made him so rude and usual individual comparing to Nikolas Tesla. Although, Nikolas Tesla was the dictator of Edison but, his high intelligent quotient and positive approach made him remembered among the individuals. However, the developed personality trait theory of Raymond Cattell proved that an individual will act in a specific situation based on his attitude, values and personality. This same thing goes for the action and approach of Nikolas Tesla and Thomas Edison. Hans Eysenck’s Trait Theory According to Hans Eysenck, neuroticism, psychoticism and extraversion are the three different traits that are sufficient to describe the personality of human beings. According to extraversion trait theories, people are quite open to interact with each other. This type of attitude and personality can be identified in the characteristics of Nikolas Tesla. He had that personality to be admired by other people. His great ability to give influential and motivational speech made him quite special among his sub-ordinates. Moreover, his visionary and charismatic leadership skill justified his extraversion personality trait (Carr, 2004). On the other hand, Thomas Edison’s personality trait can be considered as psychoticism personality trait. It is true that Thomas Edison can be remembered among the Americans due to his important and creative inventions. His invention of light bulb made him famous in the United Status of America. Federal government of the United States of America used to keep load shedding for two minutes in every year in his memory. Only his innovation and creation is responsible behind this honor. But, in terms of personality and characteristics, his image can be considered as negative personality image among the Americans due to its rude behavior and negative attitudes. However, according to each and every personality trait theory, it is quite crystal clear that Nikolas Tesla is a visionary and charismatic personality comparing with the personality of the Thomas Edison. This specific personality trait had made Nikolas Tesla a great leader comparing to Thomas Edison. Personal Construct Psychology theory by George Kelly Personal construct psychology theory also can be referred as PCP personality theory. This theory was developed by George Kelly. George Kelly was one of the popular American psychologists. According to his theory, individuals are like immature scientists, who try to see the entire world through a specific lens depending upon the construction’s uniquely organized system (Costa, 2013). From this theory, an effective psychotherapy approach can be considered. According to this approach, people used to act or behave according to the demand of the situation. It can be considered as an important contemporary decision making approach, which is practiced in several organizations. However, Nikolas Tesla has the great ability to respond to the external factors. It is the specific personality trait of Tesla that helped him to behave or act according to the demand of the situation. It is true that, Thomas Edison have invented several aspects, but failed to integrate motivation and influence in the sub-ordinates. On the other hand, being a dictator, Nikolas Tesla succeeded to motivate his sub-ordinates and followers to go forward to reach the dreams, goals and objectives. According to George Kelly’s theory, it can be stated that, it is the demand of the situation and characteristics of Tesla that influenced him to be positive in his personal and professional life. Behaviorist Theories by Skinner According to the behaviorists, personality can be referred as the impact of external stimuli and forces. There are several approaches or theories that are available to analyze and evaluate the behavioral aspect o0f personality of the individuals. These are known as behavioral theories. However, the initial school of thought was proposed and presented by Skinner. Later, this theory and approach has been modernized by several behaviorists and implemented in contemporary organizations to enhance decision making and strategy implementation process (Hiryappa, 2012). The thoughts and theoretical approach of Skinner can be implemented in the comparison between Nikolas Tesla and Thomas Edison. It is true that, behavior of an individual guides him or her to practice specific personality traits while making decision or in other activities. It is true that, Nikolas Tesla has visionary and positive characteristics. It does not mean that it is good for each and every time. It is the nature of the situation that needs to be determined while developing any strategy or making any decision. However, the positive approach of Tesla helped him to influence and motivated in charismatic way to other individuals. This specific personality trait came through his positive behavioral approach that helped him to motivate others. On the other hand, being one of the famous inventors, Thomas Edison failed to motivate other sub-ordinates, followers and colleagues due to his rude behavior and negative attitude. Therefore, it can be stated that the thoughts and views of Skinner can be justified through the comparison of personality traits between Thomas Edison and Nikolas Tesla. Hence, it is proved that personality trait usually depends upon the behavior of the individuals. Psychoanalytic Theory by Freud and Adler Psychoanalytical theories generally explain the behavior of human beings in terms of social interaction of people and various constituents of individual personality. Sigmund Freud was the actual founder and presenter of this specific thought. According to his views, the psychic energies of human beings generally reflect in their behaviors (Schultz, 2012). It is true that, the psychic energy or ego generally drives an individual to behave specifically. It is clear from the above trait theories that Nikolas Tesla was quite open-minded and loved to share his thoughts and views with other individuals. On the other hand, Thomas Edison never ever tried to share his views and thoughts with other people due to extreme ego and high self-esteem and self-actualization. It is true that, ego, esteem and actualization can be identified in an introvert person. These are the major reasons behind the negative characteristics of Thomas Edison. On the other hand, low ego, low self-esteem and low self-actualization are the major reason behind the positive visionary approaches and extrovert nature of Nikolas Tesla. Alfred Adler was another popular psychologist. He agreed with the views and thoughts of Freud. According to Adler’s views and thoughts, early childhood practices and experiences are the major reasons behind the behavioral characteristics of any individual. It is true that, behavior and attitude of an individual highly depends upon early childhood experiences (Russell, 2003). If a child gets an environment of limited social interaction, then there is a possibility of child to become introvert. On the other hand, if a child gets an environment of significant social interaction, then there is a possibility of a child to become extrovert and visionary. These things had happened with Nikolas Tesla and Thomas Edison for sure as limited social interaction is the major reason behind the negative personality approaches of Thomas Edison. On the other hand, extrovert nature motivated and influenced Nikolas Tesla to be positive with other individuals during the interaction process. Personality Theory of Carl Jung and Melanie Klein Personality type generally refers to the psychological categorization of various types of individuals. It is true that personality types are significantly differentiated from the personality traits of human beings. However, Carl Jung was one of the popular psychologists. He proposed and presented a personality theory based on human nature and behavior. These theories are considered as old and traditional approaches of determining personality of human beings. These are introverts and extroverts (Clarkin, 2005). People, who do not familiar of interacting with people quite frequently, can be considered or referred as introverts. On the other hand, people who are quite open to other individuals and love to share their views and thought are known as extroverts. This traditional theoretical approach will be implemented in the comparison study between Nikolas Tesla and Thomas Edison. According to Jung, it is the behavior of the people that decides whether they are introverts or extroverts. In terms of Nikolas Tesla, he was quite open to other individuals, loved to share their views and motivate other sub-ordinates to achieve both professional and personal goals (Adams, 2005). The character of Nikolas Tesla can be considered as extraversion character due to his typical behaviors and attitudes. On the other hand, the characteristics of Thomas Edison can be considered as the introvert characteristics. It is true that, although he was one of the greatest and famous inventors, his thoughts and approaches were negative. Moreover, he did not enjoy the interaction with other individuals. Therefore, it is true that he was introvert in nature that affected his leadership style, personality and social image. Klein also has developed a fundamental personality theory based on the theory of Carl Jung. Klein’s theory is just about some modification of Jung’s theory. However, Klein has stated that it people act according to the behaviorism and traits. There are several types of personality traits that drive people to act typically. But, it is also true that behavior and approach of an individual can be considered as the practice of activities for several years. An individual cannot become extrovert or introvert for a sudden. It is the environmental forces, stimuli, experience and constant practice since childhood that guides people to act differently. According to Klein’s theory, the friendly environment and practice of social interaction helped Nikolas Tesla to become positive and visionary. On the other hand, Thomas Edison invented several unique things and these innovations made him popular around the globe. But, in terms of personality traits, the characteristics of the personality of Thomas Edison are introvert. He faced difficulty to interact with other individuals friendly and peacefully. These personality and inner characteristics hampered his leadership attributes. Moreover, supreme ego and high self-esteem of Thomas Edison can justify the application of Klein’s theory in this comparison study. Cognitive Theory by Buss David Buss has developed a cognitive approach to different types of personality traits. According to Buss, several factors, such as affect, goal setting, encoding of stimuli and self-regulatory beliefs are responsible for different human behavior and personality. This theory can be integrated in the comparison between the personal of Thomas Edison and Nikolas Tesla. According to Buss, encoding of Stimuli and self-regulatory beliefs are the major aspects that determine particular behavior and personality traits of the individuals (Ryckman, 2012). In case of Nikolas Tesla, the demand of situation, encoding of external and internal environmental factors and positive self-regulatory belief had forced him to take visionary approach. On the other hand, high self-esteem and supreme self-actualization forced Thomas Edison to undertake negative approach that made difficult for him to motivate other individuals. Thomas Edison was least emotional driver. It is quite rational for his limited emotional cognitive approach due to high degree of self-actualization and self-esteem. On the other hand, it can be stated that Nikolas Tesla was high emotion driver. He always tried to develop a good reputation and relationship with other individuals due to his extraversion kind of nature. Discussion It is clear from above analysis that both Nikolas Tesla and Thomas Edison are the popular and famous inventors. It can be stated that both of these individuals have succeeded in their professional life. In case of success story, Thomas Edison has more patents comparing to Nikolas Tesla. Nikolas Tesla was actually the dictator of Thomas Edison. But, both of these individuals were different in personality, attitude and nature. In above analysis, several trait and personality theories have been discussed and implemented in order to compare the personality of Thomas Edison and Nikolas Tesla. This part of the assignment will discuss the findings of the above analysis. It is true that personality of an individual generally depends upon several forces, stimuli and characteristics, such as behavior, self-regulation, motivation, values, experience, belief and attitude. However, the personalities of these two inventors are highly depended upon these stimuli. It is clear from the above analysis that Nikolas Tesla is quite open minded comparing to Thomas Edison. Thomas Edison did not bother about sharing views and thoughts with other individuals. Several psychologists and behaviorists have stated that it is the stimuli that determine the personality and activity of the individuals. The reason behind the extrovert nature of Nikolas Tesla is his behavior and openness. According to several theorists, he might have experienced this situation and activities from his early childhood. An individual can become extrovert if he socially interacts with other individuals since childhood. This process motivates him to become a visionary person with charismatic leadership style. For this reason, Nicholas Tesla has become one of the visionary leaders. His charismatic approach and openness motivated several individuals to follow his pathway. It is true that Thomas Edison has been remembered by people in this modern era of globalization and technological advancement due to his several innovations and creative thoughts. It has been mentioned earlier that the Federal government of the United States of America keep load shedding for two minutes in every year in the memory of Thomas Edison as he is the inventor of light bulb. But, unfortunately he is not remembered for his leadership style due to inadequacy in his leadership approach. It is true that no other can touch his number of patents in this contemporary world. But, lack of extrovert characteristics criticized his ability to lead a team. He never loved social interaction and public speaking. He always devoted in his work. On the other hand, Nikolas Tesla is a popular figure in the United States of America due to his inventions. But, it is also true that most of his inventions are based on the principles of Thomas Edison. But, he was quite different comparing to the personality and characteristics of Thomas Edison. Tesla was loved and followed by sub-ordinates and he had the ability and skill to motivate other individuals through the visionary approaches and different charismatic leadership skills. Last but not the least; it can be stated that several critiques have criticized the activities and personalities of these two individuals. But, looking into the above analysis, it can be presented that personality approach of Tesla is way higher comparing to the approach of Edison. Conclusion It is clear from above analysis and discussion that Nikolas Tesla and Thomas Edison are the most popular inventors in America. They are not only remembered due to their intelligence and excellence, but also their personality and characteristic approaches made them popular respectively. American society cannot be imagined without the contribution of both Tesla and Edison. However, both these characters were slightly different to each other in terms of intelligent quotient. But, they were opposite to each other in terms of personality traits and behavioral approaches. It is true that personality of individuals generally depends upon the behavior, self-regulation, environmental forces and different types of stimuli. However, Nikolas Tesla was popular due to his visionary personality and charismatic leadership approaches. His excellence and invention was deemed due to the revolutionary creation and development of Edward. But, democratic leadership approach and positive personality trait helped him to motivate several individuals to follow his pathway and meet professional and personal objectives. He had the ability to motivate and influence people through his public speaking quality. He loved to interact with people socially. These characteristics and attitudes made him different from Thomas Edison. On the other hand, Thomas Edison believed in less interaction and serious work. This characteristic justifies his introvert nature that affected his leadership style. References Carr, A. (2004). Positive psychology. New York: Springer. Clarkin, J. (2005). Major theories of personality. London: Routledge. Costa, P. (2013). Personality in Adulthood. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Feist, J., Feist, G., & Roberts, T. (2013). Theories of Personality. New York: McGraw-Hill. Hiryappa, B. (2012). Development of personality and its theories. London: Routledge. Lester, D. (2004). A Psychological basis for personality traits. New Jersey: Pearson. Adams, D. (2005). Theories of personality. New Jersey: Pearson. Matthews, G. (2003). Personality traits. London: Sage. Russell, J. (2003). Theories of personality. New York: Springer. Ryckman, R. (2012). Theories of personality. Stamford: Cengage Learning. Schultz, D. (2012). Angles on applied psychology. London: Kogan Page. Read More