Every child in school is given a brief history of America’s Revolution. It highlights the outstanding achievements of founding fathers. The Father of the United States, George Washington was a military leader, politician, and an eloquent face of the revolutionary movement. Benjamin Franklin, an inventor, author, diplomat, millionaire self-made, and audaciously smart man, was Benjamin Franklin. John Adams was an extraordinary raconteur and writer as well as a philosopher, leader, and advocate for the common good.
Although we are well-versed in the history of these and many other pioneering founders of our time, much has been lost about their contributions to improving every day colonial life. We have also lost an example which can easily be transferred to modern times. Amazing men invent and improve according to their pre-industrial needs.
Washington, for example, was a great brew-master who produced high quality whiskey. His brew was very profitable and he was highly regarded in Europe because of the high quality of his whiskey. One of the first examples of continuing international trade between Europe and America was his barter with European traders for trade goods.
Thomas Jefferson, farmer, teacher, statesman and politician, was the most famous man of revolution. Jefferson, who was chiefly responsible for the Declaration of Independence and Secretary of State as well as the builder of Monticello, is now well-known. As an inventor, he’s mostly lost to us today. But Jefferson’s achievements as an inventor are most important in Jefferson’s time. His example is still relevant today.
Thomas Jefferson developed products, inventions, and enhancements based upon the needs of his immediate environment. His dedication and perseverance as a farmer was evident. He sought out ways to maximize crop yield. He was exposed to the Dutch Mold Board Plow while he was in Europe for diplomatic purposes. When he first saw it in action, he noticed its unwieldiness and lack of utility. He was able to see the idea in his mind and decided to make it better. It was then that the Mold Board Plow of Least Resistance was reengineered. This advanced plow allowed 18th-century farmers to dig deeper and more efficiently, and conserve valuable seed to improve crop yield and profitability.
Jefferson struggled to keep diplomatic and military secrets while serving as Secretary for State. The ingenious Wheel Cipher was his solution. This was made from wood and has 26 rotating bands, one for each letter in the alphabet. It is the most sophisticated method to transport state secrets.
Monticello offers a chance to see many of Thomas Jefferson’s best inventions, some still in use today. It is also home to the Great Clock. This clock was created without any minute hands. Jefferson created a folding ladder to set the clock. It is still in use worldwide by libraries. The Sundial he invented is still marvellous engineering. They hung the beds from ropes, which allowed them to be lifted or lowered so they could increase their living area when it was not being used. There are two dumbwaiters at the salon’s great fireplace. They were used as servants who could send out wine and victuals but not physically.
Jefferson, a man who loved to write, was a prolific reader. He also preferred silence and deep thought. He created the revolving stool to help him get more done. Swiveling, which is now a standard feature in modern office environments, allowed the user to access multiple work areas and more material from one control point.
A similar invention was the revolving shelf bookstand. Jefferson was able to use this simple, yet clever device simultaneously with several books and other reference materials from one spinning bookstand that had multiple, inclined easel ledges. Although we now take this for granted, the ability to quickly and cogently compare books is an improvement that was made in the 18th Century.
The Portable Copy Press, which Thomas Jefferson designed was a proud achievement. The portable, discreet press allowed him to create multiple copies of documents as he traveled Europe in his diplomatic capacity. It was a marvellous machine. The portable case that was made to hold the Portable Copy Press is almost as well-known as its predecessor. This was the original portable office, featuring compartments to hold ink, pen, and other supplies.
Thomas Jefferson and many of his contemporaries were brilliant because they could create practical devices to improve their own lives, and that of their societies. These people created what they needed. They were not motivated by profit. They needed more products to increase productivity.
These are the same words I use almost every day in my consulting practice. A lot of people have dreams about creating the next Post-It Note. Every successful inventor, entrepreneur and small business owner I’ve worked with has been able to answer a specific need and provide better benefits. They are often the product of their own life experiences, whether at home, work, or as a hobby.
Entrepreneurial success can be achieved by focusing on what each person knows and how they live every day. Jefferson, Franklin, Washington invented valuable things for their world. The same principle applies today.
To discuss the article and any project, please feel free to get in touch with me. There are more opportunities than ever to be successful as an entrepreneur. The lessons learned from the past are your guide. Contact the author, Geoff Ficke at http://www.DuquesaMarketing.com, 407 260 1127 for a free, no obligation consultation.