What can Alexander Graham Bell Teach Us?
Here is a quick history lesson on Alexander Graham Bell. In 1872, Bell opened the School of Vocal Physiology and Mechanics of Speech in Boston, where deaf people were taught to speak. At age 26, the budding inventor became Professor of Vocal Physiology and Elocution at the Boston University School of Oratory, even though he didn’t have a university degree. While teaching, Bell met Mabel Hubbard, a deaf student. The couple married on July 11, 1877. They went on to have four children, including two sons who died as infants. On March 7, 1876 Bell was granted his patent for the telephone.[1]
Most people know that Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. However, did you know
Bell refused to have a phone in his study, fearing it would distract his scientific work!
Isn’t that amazing! How is it that inventors of these amazing tools limit their use and accessibility into their work and family life. History also records that Steve Jobs would not allow his children to have “easy anytime access” to the iPad. Bill Gates limited the use of the computer in his children’s formative years of life.
There is something to be said about the tools and devises that we so easily allow to enter our daily lives without questioning their true role and purpose. I can say by experience that interruptions are the kiss of death to productivity and creativity. Our best work never occurs when we allow easy access at any time – any place of glowing rectangles to interrupt God’s true work for our lives.
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[1] History.com Accessed 9 October, 2020. https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/alexander-graham-bell
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