Nicola Tesla was essentially a real life Tony Stark, sans fortune. Despite going to his grave with massive debt, Tesla pioneered neon lights, remote controls, lasers, fluorescent lights, alternating current, radio, modern x-rays, robotics, and wireless communication. And that’s just the inventions that I know of. The truth is we probably owe at least some part of the majority of all modern technology to Nicola Tesla. One day, when all disputes are settled with laser-eyed robot shark fights, you will have Tesla to thank. His legacy of innovation continues though Elon Musk, the CEO and chief inventor at Tesla Motors and SpaceX. In the proud tradition of the mad scientist for which they are named, Tesla Motors gives their patents away, so that other companies can make awesome things too.