Nikola Tesla Books
Tesla Loves the Poor and Respects Human Dignity
Nikola has been very compassionate towards the poor since childhood. As a student, he not only gave his poor friends his used books but also his old clothes. He even shared his meals with them and gave them money when he had it.
Once, as a young man, he was a guest at his relative’s house. While walking together on the street, they encountered a beggar. The beggar extended his hand, and the relative gave him only a small coin. At that moment, Nikola had a silver coin in his pocket, which would be worth about twenty dinars today. Seeing that his relative gave the beggar only two pennies, Nikola took out this silver coin and handed it to the beggar. The relative was surprised and asked Nikola why he gave him so much. Nikola replied indignantly, “I gave him everything I had because you only gave him two pennies, and by that, you insulted his dignity. Even if he is a beggar, he has human dignity that we must all respect.”
Some people can work but beg just because they don’t want to work, finding it easier to get money through begging. There are also those who are not in need but still beg out of habit. Tesla says, “Who knows, maybe the one who approaches me is truly in need. That’s why I always give, and then I feel some satisfaction.”
Tesla has always helped the poor everywhere and at every step. He especially directs his assistance to our emigrants in America, who often fall into poverty in that foreign world.
