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This Crazy Anti-Distraction Helmet From 1925 Is Still Relevant Today
Do you struggle to concentrate at work? Does every little thing distract you when you’re trying to be productive? Then it sounds like you need “The Isolator,” a bizarre (and rather creepy) helmet invented in 1925 by Hugo Gernsback, a Luxembourgish-American inventor, writer, editor, and magazine publisher.
Gernsback is sometimes referred to as “The Father Of Science Fiction,” and it’s easy to see why when you look at his anti-distraction contraption. The purpose of The Isolator was simple: the wooden helmet blocked out sound and vision in order to help the wearer focus on whatever task they had in hand. Gernsback claimed that the helmet reduced noise by up to 95 percent, and the tiny glass spy-hole ensured that no amount of nearby movement could rouse the wearer from their work. The only downside of course is that it made you look completely ridiculous, but at least the person inside it remained anonymous. As long as they didn’t wear it to the office that is. We can’t think of anything more distracting than working next to somebody wearing one of these! (h/t: vintage everyday)
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Hans 7 years ago
Shortly after, someone realized that pulling the cord from the phone does the same trick. And, if you have annoying colleagues, an additional pair of ear plugs.
Sophie G 7 years ago
think in 1925 they were still on G¼ Cath, so cord was faster
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Bobby Beebe 7 years ago
If someone came into the office wearing this for work purposes, I think I would probably run away terrified. But no judgement, if you want to wear your Isolator then go ahead and do you, I'll just be down the hall screaming like a Banshee.
Christina Wood 7 years ago
I thought you could get what's called an ostrich pillow these days, totally taking yourself away from everything
Elina Kuusisto 7 years ago
I'd catch myself in a mirror and spend the rest of the day peeking and laughing at myself
Nikola Ilic 7 years ago
This is hilarious! The 80 lbs lead helmet helps you relax and focus while you wheeze on tanked oxygen.
Hans 7 years ago
Shortly after, someone realized that pulling the cord from the phone does the same trick. And, if you have annoying colleagues, an additional pair of ear plugs.
Sophie G 7 years ago
think in 1925 they were still on G¼ Cath, so cord was faster
Load More Replies... Bobby Beebe 7 years ago
If someone came into the office wearing this for work purposes, I think I would probably run away terrified. But no judgement, if you want to wear your Isolator then go ahead and do you, I'll just be down the hall screaming like a Banshee.
Christina Wood 7 years ago
I thought you could get what's called an ostrich pillow these days, totally taking yourself away from everything
Elina Kuusisto 7 years ago
I'd catch myself in a mirror and spend the rest of the day peeking and laughing at myself
Nikola Ilic 7 years ago
This is hilarious! The 80 lbs lead helmet helps you relax and focus while you wheeze on tanked oxygen.
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