The Famous 1921 Employment Quiz
In 1921, Thomas Edison created an unconventional employment test filled with trivia questions that became the talk of America. When the questions leaked to the New York Times in May 1921, everyone from university students to Albert Einstein tried their hand at the 146-question quiz.
⚡ Did You Know?
At the University of Chicago, male students averaged just 35% when tested in 1921. Even Albert Einstein reportedly "failed" for not knowing the speed of sound off the top of his head!
Edison designed this test because he was frustrated with college-educated applicants who lacked practical knowledge. The test covered geography, science, history, literature, and general knowledge—topics Edison deemed essential for any potential employee.
📝 Important Note:
This interactive version uses multiple choice answers to make it more accessible and fun. The original 1921 test required job seekers to write out their answers from memory—making it significantly more difficult! So if you're beating that 35% average, remember you have a built-in advantage. 😉
Remember: You must answer as if you're living in 1921. Some answers may seem outdated by today's standards, reflecting the knowledge and perspectives of that era.
Take on all 146 questions and see how you compare to the job seekers of 1921!
Keep in mind: The original 1921 test required written answers from memory—no multiple choice! Your score benefited from having options to choose from, whereas the University of Chicago students had to recall everything without any hints.