Thomas Edison was an American inventor and businessman, born on February 11, 1847. He is best known for developing the electric light bulb, which revolutionized indoor lighting. Edison held over 1,000 patents, making significant contributions to various fields, including telecommunications and sound recording. Edison founded the General Electric Company, one of the largest and most diversified industrial corporations in the world. His work laid the foundation for modern electrical systems and technologies. He passed away on October 18, 1931, leaving a lasting legacy in innovation and entrepreneurship.