Learned responses can lead to creative and inventive outcomes. We know that Edison wasn't the "genius" that is portrayed in the movie, "Beautiful Mind". But Edison did invent the 20th Century. I visited that little lab in New Jersey as a high school student. What a marvelous place!
He gave the world light, sound, camera, and action!!!! His talent was to surround himself with intelligent and creative individuals and then he made his dreams a reality!
I have to disagree. If any one person could be said to have "invented the 20th Century" that person would be Tesla, IMHO. Edison was great, no doubt about it. However, Tesla's inventions and contributions had even more impact and even further reach than Edison's. Again, IMHO.