Garrett Morgan (1877–1963)
“If you can be the best, then why not try to be the best?”
This quote reflects Morgan’s mindset of determination and self-belief. At a time when opportunities were limited, he pushed himself to create, improve, and innovate anyway. His words encourage us to aim higher, trust our abilities, and put effort into becoming the best version of ourselves — not for recognition, but because striving for excellence opens doors and creates lasting change.
Garrett Morgan was an inventor whose ideas helped make everyday life safer for millions of people. From improving the traffic signal to creating a life-saving breathing device used by firefighters and rescue workers, his work came from observing real problems and finding practical solutions.
His legacy reminds us that innovation isn’t only about recognition — it’s about impact. Garrett Morgan used his creativity and persistence to build tools that protected communities and improved public safety, even when his contributions weren’t always widely acknowledged.
Garrett Morgan's story is a powerful example of how innovation thrives on determination and real-world problem solving. His invention of a three-position traffic light in 1923 was groundbreaking, as it introduced an intermediate warning signal that improved road safety significantly by giving drivers clear guidance to stop or proceed with caution. This invention laid the groundwork for modern traffic control systems used worldwide. Moreover, Morgan's invention of the safety hood—a precursor to today's gas masks—demonstrates his commitment to saving lives. Designed to protect firefighters and rescue personnel from smoke inhalation and toxic gases, his breathing device was instrumental during emergency responses, including a dramatic rescue in a tunnel accident where many lives were saved due to his invention. What stands out in Garrett Morgan’s journey is not just his inventions but his relentless pursuit to serve the greater good despite facing systemic racial barriers in early 20th-century America. His achievements remind us that innovation is often born from observing the challenges faced daily and having the courage to develop practical, impactful solutions. From my perspective, learning about Morgan’s mindset—encapsulated in his quote, "If you can be the best, then why not try to be the best?"—is a motivational call to push beyond limitations. It encourages us to trust in our ability to contribute meaningfully, whether or not we receive widespread recognition. For creators and problem solvers today, his legacy offers valuable insight: true innovation is about making a difference that lasts, improving lives quietly but profoundly across generations.
