We owe a lot to Thomas Edison - if it wasn't for him, we'd be watching television by candlelight.

In this quote, Milton Berle humorously acknowledges the significant impact of Thomas Edison on modern technology, particularly in the development of electricity. By saying, "if it wasn't for him, we'd be watching television by candlelight," Berle highlights how Edison’s inventions, especially the light bulb, were instrumental in making modern conveniences like television possible. Without Edison's contributions to electrical engineering, the technology we now take for granted, such as electric lighting, would not have been available, and everyday activities would still be reliant on older, less efficient methods like candlelight.

Berle’s statement is both a tribute to Edison's legacy and a clever exaggeration about the contrast between the past and the present. The idea of watching television by candlelight is absurd, but it underscores how far society has come thanks to Edison's groundbreaking work in electricity. The humor comes from the stark juxtaposition of two vastly different technological eras: one where light and electricity were a luxury, and another where they are essential for daily life and entertainment.

The origin of this quote comes from Milton Berle, an American comedian and actor known for his pioneering work in television. As a major figure in the early days of TV, Berle often used humor to reflect on the rapid advances in technology and how they transformed society. This quote is an example of his style, blending nostalgia with comedic exaggeration to make a point about the progress of human innovation. Berle’s comedic timing and ability to connect historical moments with contemporary ideas made him a beloved figure in American entertainment.

Through this light-hearted comment, Berle also reminds us of the interconnectedness of technological advancements. Edison’s work was foundational to many innovations that followed, and Berle’s joke serves as a humorous reflection on how far we’ve come—from the candlelight of the past to the electric-powered entertainment of today.