Nikola Tesla was born during a lightning storm in the village of Smiljan, part of the Austrian Empire (present-day Croatia). His father was a Serbian Orthodox priest, and his mother was known for her craftsmanship and memory. He believed the dramatic circumstances surrounding his birth imbued him with a unique connection to electricity.

Tesla initially excelled in his studies at the Austrian Polytechnic, focusing on engineering and electricity. However, he later dropped out before graduating, reportedly due to gambling debts. Despite not completing his degree, his time at the Polytechnic provided him with a solid foundation in electrical engineering principles.