Nikola Tesla – Genius, Visionary, and Enigma

In this episode of The Mad Genius Thesis Podcast, we explore Wizard: The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla by Marc Seifer, a deep and revealing biography of one of history’s most brilliant yet enigmatic inventors. Beyond his groundbreaking contributions to electrical engineering and his legendary rivalries with Edison and Westinghouse, Tesla also struggled with significant mental health challenges, including symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorders, PTSD, and the lasting effects of childhood trauma. We examine how these struggles shaped his genius, his relentless work ethic, and his later battles for recognition and funding. From the "battle of the currents" to his visionary but unrealized projects, Tesla’s story is one of brilliance, suffering, and resilience. Join us as we explore the mind of a true mad genius.