Happy birthday to one of the most iconic inventors in history, Thomas Edison! Today marks the big 2-7-6 for the man who brought us the electric light bulb, but let’s not forget about all of his other incredible accomplishments. Edison was also a master of telegraphy, phonography, and even motion pictures (which, let’s be real, is just a fancy way of saying “movies”).

But the real showstopper was the light bulb. Prior to Edison’s invention, people were stuck using gas lamps or candles to light their homes. Talk about a fire hazard! Edison’s electric light bulb not only made life easier and safer, it also paved the way for the development of electricity as we know it today. Talk about brightening up the world (pun intended).

Embed from Getty ImagesIn addition to the light bulb, Edison is also credited with the phonograph, the first practical storage battery, and the motion picture camera. This guy was basically a patent machine, racking up over 1,000 in his lifetime.

So, as we celebrate Thomas Edison’s birthday, let’s take a moment to appreciate all of the brilliant ways in which he changed the world. From the phonograph to the light bulb, Edison’s inventions have had a lasting impact and will continue to shape the future for generations to come. Happy birthday, Tommy!