Percy Spencer

inventor · self-taught · microwave

Remarkable Self-Teacher. Percy Spencer never finished grammar school, but he taught himself calculus, trigonometry, physics, and chemistry all on his own during night shifts. He believed in solving problems by learning whatever he needed to know.

Twice Orphaned Young. Percy had a difficult childhood and was orphaned twice before becoming a teenager. Despite these hardships, he used education as his path forward and never gave up on learning.

Microwave Oven Inventor. While working as an electrical engineer, Percy Spencer accidentally discovered that microwaves could heat food when a chocolate bar in his pocket melted near some radio equipment. This happy accident led to the invention of the microwave oven.

Night Shift Scholar. Percy worked night shifts and used that time to teach himself difficult subjects like physics and engineering. He called this approach 'solving my own situation' and made it a lifelong habit.