When his father showed him a light bulb, batteries, a bell, and a wire, Lanny Smoot was five years old. When they managed to create a current that made the bell ring and the bulb light up, Smoot discovered a fascination with all things electronic. That one experiment with his father changed his life.
“My path was paved by people who believed in me.” Along with his father bringing home that bell ring, his family believed in him and that would inspire him to create more than just a bell.
“I came from Brownsville, and I didn’t have a lot of money.” Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Smoot’s family didn’t have much, but Smoot did have that desire to innovate and that spark would keep on going, thanks to those who continued to push him.
From creating the first electronic panning camera in 1998, to inventing real-world lightsabers that we’ve seen today, Smoot’s inner light from his childhood still burns as bright as ever. His legacy will last forever.
The love and support Smoot received as a child made his amazing inventions possible years later. We have all the creative ability to extend our own love and support to inspire the next generation.