To Tesla, With Love

The imbecile, especially if raised in a hostile environment, would probably say something like: "That Tesla guy was sure dumb. He could 'ave earned billions." Of course, this misses the mark completely.

I was actually thinking of doing one radio show on 'kids' lit;' for example, Gulliver (the writer-a giant visits puny men whose kings wage wars on whether to crack an egg this side or that) or Oz (characters in search of heart, brains and courage discover a freightened old man ruling the world).

One might protest this is for kids to which I reply: so is the whole of education.

There was actually a kids' book and movie in socialist Yugoslavia with children on an adventure mishap, singing: "When tiny palms tug together the rope / anything can be done and there is hope."

I can't wait for the first dissenting voice to clamour: "Utopia!" Perhaps, but I myself am tired of dystopia. Perhaps the mechanics of puling ropes successfully should be inculcated in every school-age kid. Something like a morals-for-success campaign.

I do realise history is a complex set of events with ups and downs, and many things that have to coincide for things to start to improve. Some of the greatest people in world history got there by sheer chance. I know of human heart - because I read my Conrad and know - myself. But I also know there is little point in me snatching a sandwich more than I need and eating it behind the barn.

You next might argue the fate of socialist Yugoslavia was not that rosy or that communist USSR was a nightmare. To this I say: a history of greed isn't exactly pink.

And Tesla knew this: his inventions belonged to everyone. True, he died in the US, poor and forgotten, and you pay your electricity bills regularly even today. Think about it. Oh my God, even Twain said the intellectual and the brawn should be paid the same! I hasten to add: as long as their heart is pure.