Lighting the Way: Thomas Alva Edison and Diligence

How did Thomas Edison display diligence on his quest for knowledge?

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• Who was Thomas Edison? Why was he a significant historical figure?
• What was Edison’s purpose in life? Why did he strive to continue to learn more throughout his life?
• What diligent actions did Edison take in his life?
• How did Thomas Edison’s diligence help to advance freedom?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will examine the diligent life and work of Thomas Alva Edison.
• Students will determine ways that they can be more diligent in their actions.
• Students will apply their knowledge of diligence to their own lives.