Westinghouse was one of the great Americans, although forgotten by most.
He has become famous again only by association with Nicola Tesla-- who
was also a forgotten man until about 20 years ago. George is an example
of what
the free market can do with a virtuous man at the helm. He was a
Christian and tried to live it
“if you prefer to have what I call a legacy, you leave the world a better place than you found it.” –George Westinghouse
Here is a tribute written by the great Nicola Tesla on George's death:
From Nikola Tesla (A Tribute to George Westinghouse)
The
first impressions are those to which we cling most in later life. I
like to think of George Westinghouse as he appeared to me in 1888, when I
saw him for the first time. The tremendous potential energy of the man
had only in part taken kinetic form, but even to a superficial observer
the latent force was manifest.
A powerful frame, well proportioned, with
every joint in working order, an eye as clear as a crystal, a quick and
springy step — he presented a rare example of health and strength. Like
a lion in a forest, he breathed deep and with delight the smoky air of
his factories. Though past forty then, he still had the enthusiasm of
youth. Always smiling, affable and polite, he stood in marked contrast
to the rough and ready men I met.
Not one word which would have been
objectionable, not a gesture which might have offended — one could
imagine him as moving in the atmosphere of a court, so perfect was his
bearing in manner and speech. And yet no fiercer adversary than
Westinghouse could have been found when he was aroused. An athlete in
ordinary life, he was transformed into a giant when confronted with
difficulties which seemed insurmountable.
He enjoyed the struggle and
never lost confidence. When others would give up in despair he
triumphed. Had he been transferred to another planet with everything
against him he would have worked out his salvation. His equipment was
such as to make him easily a position of captain among captains, leader
among leaders. His was a wonderful career filled with remarkable
achievements.
He gave to the world a number of valuable inventions and
improvements, created new industries, advanced the mechanical and
electrical arts and improved in many ways the conditions of modern life.
He was a great pioneer and builder whose work was of far-reaching
effect on his time and whose name will live long in the memory of men.
Nikola Tesla
New York.
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