Everyone knows Thomas Edison, the father of electricity; and most think of his name as a hero. He may have invented many things that evolved toward or were inherently pinnacles of technology. Thomas Edison was a hero because he gave a perfect picture of the American dream, he worked hard for what he loved, followed his dreams and changed the world in the process; he set the example that everyone would one day follow. Achieving his goal through hard work and dedication is what makes him a hero. Thomas Edison was born in Milan, Ohio in 1847. (Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th edition. Dec2013, p1-1. 1p) Edison even from a young age knew what he loved to do and began working to achieve his goals . (6) Thomas Edison is responsible for many of the world's greatest inventions and technologies, such as the electric light bulb and the phonograph. When Thomas Edison was young, he ran a series of small businesses to finance his passion for chemistry and technology (Phyllis Barkas Goldman “Thomas Alva Edison 1847-1931” 5). Thomas delivered newspapers and, as Phyllis Goldman explains, “expanded his business by offering to sell bread, tobacco, etc. »(5). Later, he owned a train compartment in which he not only practiced his profession, but continued his activities and even created his own newspaper (7). One of the many reasons for Edison's success was the fact that he was extremely, if not ridiculously, proactive. He was a businessman from the age of 12 (4). Thomas never stopped working. He was a child of infinite curiosity and energy (3). Phyllis Goldman describes Thomas Edison as “an extremely curious and energetic child. He was constantly looking for answers to his questions” (3). Thomas Edison had a penchant for science from a young age...... middle of paper ...... learn something from him. Thomas Edison did what thousands and thousands of people try to do in their lives, he made his dreams come true, he reached for the stars and didn't stop halfway. Everyone can learn something from their story to make their life the best it can be. Anyone can reach the stars, and he made that possible. This is why Thomas Edison is a hero. Works Cited Goldman, Phyllis Barkas. Monkeyshines about great inventors. 1997, p. 31-34. 4 p.m. 9 Black and white photographsJohn Boman, editor. “Thomas Edison (Alva) (1847-1931).” Cambridge Dictionary of American Biography (2001): 1. Historical Reference Center. Internet. May 21, 2014 Crépeau, Bob. “Thomas Edison.” Thomas Alva Edison (2006): 1-2. Book collection: non-fiction. Internet. May 21, 2014.Gaines, Ann. “Thomas Edison.” Thomas Edison (2002): 1. Historical reference center. Internet. May 23 2014.