Discovery

Some people discover and create amazing things they then give to the world for free instead of monetizing their discoveries and creations.

In 1959, Swedish Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin developed the modern three-point seatbelt system. Volvo owned the patent for this new seatbelt system, but, decided to give this design to the world because of its invaluable importance to automotive and other moving vehicle safety. In doing this, Volvo gave up making a lot of money for the greater good.

Insulin is a wonder drug of the greatest magnitude. It has literally saved millions upon millions of lives since it’s formulation in 1921. It was discovered at the University of Toronto by the team of Sir Frederick G Banting, a Canadian surgeon; Charles H Best, a research student specializing in blood glucose measurement; and JJR Macleod, a leading professor at the same institution. Biochemist James Collip joined the team shortly thereafter to help purify the insulin.

In 1923 Banting, Collip and Best were awarded US patents for their discovery and they then sold the patents to the University of Toronto for just $1 each instead of monetizing it. Banting stated, “Insulin does not belong to me, it belongs to the world.” Everyone would have access to it.

Further to this story, Banting and Macleod were jointly awarded a Nobel Prize in 1923. Banting split his half of the prize money with Best, and Macleod did the same with Collip.

For some people, money is truly not everything. Bravo!