From a young age, Tesla demonstrated a keen interest in engineering and science. He excelled in his studies and attended university in Graz, Austria, where he delved into the world of electricity. It was during his time at university that Tesla conceived the idea for the alternating current (AC) system, a revolutionary development in electrical power transmission which would later become one of his greatest contributions to society.

After completing his studies, Tesla worked for various companies in Europe before immigrating to the United States in 1884. In America, he caught the attention of Thomas Edison, who was already a prominent figure in the field of electricity. Edison hired Tesla to work for him, but their relationship quickly soured due to differing opinions on electrical currents. Edison favored direct current (DC), while Tesla adamantly supported AC.

The rivalry between Edison and Tesla intensified with the "War of the Currents," a battle to determine which electrical system would prevail. Edison, fearful of AC's potential to overshadow his DC system and tarnish his reputation, went to extreme lengths to discredit Tesla's work. Despite the obstacles, Tesla's AC system eventually triumphed, revolutionizing the entire electrical industry.

However, despite his scientific achievements, Tesla faced numerous hardships.

Financial struggles plagued him throughout his life, as he struggled to secure funding for his ambitious projects. Many of his inventions were never fully recognized or properly funded, leaving Tesla in perpetual financial instability. Despite this, he continued to work tirelessly, often in solitude, and filed hundreds of patents for his groundbreaking ideas.

Tesla's personal life was also marked by tragedy.

His most notable personal loss was the death of his beloved pigeons, whom he considered family. Distraught by their demise, Tesla withdrew from society and became increasingly isolated, leading to further deteriorating mental health.