Farnsworth Story
Philo T. Farnsworth —a Utah-born, Idaho farm-boy—helped create the future as we know it today. At fourteen he dreamed of trapping light in an empty jar and transmitting it one line at a time onto a magnetically deflected beam of electrons. By the time Philo was just 21, he developed the first all-electronic system of television. Besides his contributions to television, Philo had over 130 patented inventions in his lifetime.
As a former student, Philo was honored by Brigham Young University with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for his contribution to the reputation and prestige of the university and as an inspiration to the students. In 1968, the university also awarded him an honorary Doctor of Science degree for his extraordinary achievements in science.
It isn’t just for his inventions and achievements that we celebrate and honor Philo T. Farnsworth; it is his dream of what electronics could do for the world. Phil’s dream, in the words of his widow, Pem Farnsworth:
“…[Phil] saw television as a marvelous teaching tool. There would be no excuse for illiteracy. Parents could learn along with their children. News and sporting events could be seen as they were happening. Symphonies would mean more when one could See the musicians as they played, and movies would be seen in our own living rooms. He said there would be a time when we would be able to see and learn about people in other lands. If we understood them better, differences could be settled around conference tables, without going to war.”
Unfortunately, much of the television we see today does not live up to Mr. Farnsworth’s vision. It fails to bring us the uplifting, educational programming that is designed to enrich lives.
By making a contribution to the Society you can help ensure that Philo’s vision will be realized.
