Tesla and the Hidden Power of Mental Energy

We all know Nikola Tesla as the genius behind inventions like the AC motor and wireless energy. But what’s less spoken about is how deeply he believed in something many of us overlook—mental energy.

Now, Tesla didn’t call it “mental energy” in big bold letters, but he saw it as the real fuel behind human progress.

The Engine Within us

Tesla saw every human being as a kind of machine that needs energy to move—like a train that needs steam or an electric motor that needs current. But it’s not just physical energy he was talking about. He believed that our thoughts, focus, and clarity—all forms of mental energy—are just as important.

In his words, “The energy of the mind is the essence of life.”

Beautiful, right? He compared our minds to finely tuned machines. The sharper the machine, the more efficiently it works. Similarly, the clearer and calmer our mind, the more powerful our output.

Tuning into the Universe

Tesla had a deep sense that we’re not separate from nature. He felt we’re all connected—like parts of a big, intelligent network. He often used the word resonance, which in science means tuning into a certain frequency. He believed our minds can “tune in” to the larger rhythms of the universe. When we do that—when we’re aligned and focused—things begin to flow.

This wasn’t just a theory for Tesla. He used it. Before building anything, he would create it in his mind, tweak it, test it—all mentally—and only then go to the lab. He called this process visualization, and it’s something all of us can practice.

Removing the Clutter

Tesla believed that distractions like ignorance, negativity, and chaos are what he called “retarding forces.” Basically, they slow us down. They drain our energy, both mental and physical.

His solution? Simple living, clear thinking, and lifelong learning. He encouraged us to remove unnecessary noise from our minds and lives. In today’s terms, you can think of this as mental detox—like switching off your notifications, journaling, meditating, or just spending time in nature.

Mind and Body Go Together

Tesla also believed that a clear mind needs a healthy body. He followed a very simple lifestyle—light eating, no alcohol, and tons of focus. For him, every small choice mattered. If something drained his energy, he avoided it.

This might sound extreme, but the message is useful: our lifestyle choices either preserve our energy or waste it. And when we conserve energy, our thoughts become sharper and more powerful.

It’s Not Just Personal – It’s Collective

One of Tesla’s most beautiful ideas was that if more people cultivated their mental energy, humanity would evolve faster. Less conflict. More creation. Less ego. More collaboration.

He dreamt of a world where people, like parts of a power grid, are all connected—sharing knowledge, amplifying each other’s efforts. That kind of world, he believed, would be unstoppable.

My Personal Endnote: 

Tesla’s life was a shining example of what happens when the mind is trained like a laser—focused, clear, and aligned with nature. He treated ideas like seeds and his mind like fertile soil. He believed that with enough clarity, belief, and practice, our thoughts could shape reality.

Mental energy, according to Tesla, is not some mystical thing. It’s real. It’s powerful. And it’s available to all of us—if we’re willing to nurture it.

So next time your mind feels scattered, just pause. Breathe. Tune in. There’s a Tesla spark inside all of us  too.