Paul I.

Whitby, Ontario

Durham Regional Fair

Who is Alexander Graham Bell?

Alexander Graham Bell was a man with many talents. Most of us only recognize him for one: the creation of the telephone. But to be honest that's not the only thing that makes him great. This presentation will dive into his roots, the tragedies of his life and the moments of triumph, where he truly made a difference.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

In Alexander's time, they did not have sign language. Instead they had something called elocution; a fancy word which was basically a study of languages we no longer use today. And then there was this kid who was probably 12 years old and he could speak it and understand it more fluently than half the adults in his time. Now that's pretty interesting.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

During my adjudication, I inquired to many people about how they knew Alexander Graham Bell. Most people responded with; "Isn't he that telephone guy or something?". Well, yes he was, in a manner of speaking but that's not where his true contribution was. He changed the world with his intentions, not his inventions. And he did oh so much more than invent a telephone.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Back then, they didn't have telephones. Well, A. G. Bell invented it but not to the same extent. Our phones can talk to us and take pictures and most importantly, they have internet. But during his time, you also have to understand that Alexander had the right idea and the very first concepts of the smart phone but he didn't have the proper technology to go forward with it. Even though, he would continue to change lives long after he would be gone.