The Boy Who Invented Television

When you drive by Rigby, Idaho, there is a billboard that says "BIRTHPLACE OF THE TELEVISION". I was always proud about that sign, because in my heart, I knew that I was a blood relative of the man who did it. It was as if I had some genius cells in my body because of this relationship.

A few weeks ago, I read his biography, "The Boy Who Invented Television" by Paul Schatzkin. The author was not a Latter day Saint, and Philo was not an active one, but you could not help but see the inspiration of this boy inventor who did not graduate from high school or college.

Oh, yes, he came up with the idea of television at 14 YEARS OLD-while plowing a potato field.

There is something about potatoes and 14 year olds.
I found this quote in the appendix. You felt it through the book, but it was amazing to hear him say it:


"I know that God exists. I know that I have never invented anything. I have been a medium by which these things were given to the culture as fast as the culture could earn them. I give all the credit to God." Philo T. Farnsworth

Later, when he was successfully working on fusion, he stopped. It was as if God let him know that the world was not ready for that kind of power yet.

God gives us technology. It is not us; even though I have thought from time to time that it was.

Philo eventually married his wife in the temple. Yay for Philo.

P.S. I would love to know exactly how I am related, if only to know how many genius genes might be floating in my body.