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How Bell Borrowed from Nature
Alexander Graham Bell and his parents moved from Britain to Brantford, Ontario, Canada, in 1870.
Their new property overlooked the Grand River. At the edge of the bluff Bell found a spot he called his “dreaming place.”
He often took his books and a blanket there to read and think for hours.
While enjoying the view of the valley and river below, Bell would mentally work through problems he was having with various invention ideas.
It was here that he came up with some initial insights that led to the telephone’s development.
Bell’s lifelong interest in nature and science also led to a variety of other invention ideas, including years of experiments with flight, from designing kites to airplanes.
Bell found inspiration in the natural world in two ways. One was careful observation of how things work--the vibrations in the bones and membrane of the human ear, the flight of birds, and the properties of wind.
The other source was his lifelong habit of reflection, often done out of doors. He found space and time to think and dream.
Many inventors talk of a similar approach--a keen understanding of their tools and materials combined with time to let the mind wander and reflect.
These habits of mind have their roots in the curiosity and fantasy play of children.
Next: Bell
as a Youth ›
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