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When Thomas Alva Edison was on the verge of inventing the electric bulb, he organized a grand demonstration to showcase his creation. Dignitaries, journalists, and a curious crowd gathered in anticipation. As the event began, Edison entrusted his assistant to carry the tray holding the bulb to the stage. However, tragedy struck when the assistant missed a step, and the tray and bulb shattered into pieces.
Edison’s friends and well-wishers were outraged. Some suggested firing the assistant; others demanded harsher punishments, including imprisonment or even death. But Edison, with remarkable composure, said, “No worries, we’ll create another bulb.”
After 15 months of rigorous effort, Edison was ready for another demonstration. This time, his friends strongly advised him to keep the same assistant from carrying the tray, fearing a repeat of the earlier mishap.
To everyone’s surprise, Edison insisted, “The tray will be carried by him again.”
One of the attendees asked, “”Why take such a risk?””
Edison responded with profound wisdom:
“If the tray is broken, I can make another. But if I break a man’s spirit, I can never repair it.”
This response reflected Edison’s extraordinary respect for individuals, even…