Primary sourceSpeech1917
Prizes for the Inventor
Alexander Graham Bell · 1917
An article by Alexander Graham Bell published in 1917, encouraging young graduates to pursue careers in science and invention.
Bell's own words to young graduates, showing his views on science, invention, and the future near the end of his life.
About this source
What it is
This article was written by Alexander Graham Bell and published in National Geographic Magazine in 1917. It began as an address Bell gave to the graduating class of the McKinley Manual Training School in Washington, D.C., in February 1917, then revised for the magazine.
Why it matters
In this piece, Bell reflects on the growing importance of science and technical education, contrasting it with his own schooling, which focused on Latin and Greek. Written near the end of his life, it shows how Bell saw the future of science and encouraged young people toward invention.
Look closer
- Why does Bell believe the war changed how science is valued?
- What does Bell's advice to graduates reveal about his own values and experiences?
- How might Bell's position as a famous inventor have shaped the tone of this speech?
This speech is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Alexander Graham on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
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