Recluses: Nikola Tesla

Naomi Alderman returns with her series that explores the minds of the greatest thinkers in history. From political theorists to scientists to inventors, authors and artists. Our world is based on their ideas and innovations. How did they do their work, what did they struggle with, where did they find their dedication, creativity and inspiration?

Engineer Nikola Tesla had grand plans to change the world. One of his inventions did forever change our relationship with electricity, and the way we move through the world, but he also left us with another long-lasting legacy that is problematic. He was utterly obsessed with convincing the world that he was a reclusive genius. Someone who did not need colleagues or teammates to achieve greatness. Was he right to do it all alone? And how does the image of the reclusive genius still affect society today?

Special thanks to Professor Iwan Rhys Morus, a Professor of history at Aberystwyth University.

Produced by BBC Studios in partnership with The Open University.

Presenter: Naomi Alderman
Executive Editor: Philip Sellars
Production Co-ordinator: Amelia Paul
Researchers: Harry Burton, Martha Owen and Victoria Brignell
Mix Engineer: Nigel Appleton
Series Producer: Anishka Sharma
Production Manager: Jo Kyle