Geniale Fehler

When accidents and mishaps lead to surprising discoveries.

A significant number of major discoveries and insights would never have been made if it weren't for human errors, mistakes, and accidents. Despite its bad reputation, error is the most underestimated hero of all learning processes, research, and our daily lives. Sometimes, a supposed failure can save countless lives, as seen with the discovery and production of penicillin. In other cases, a mistake may lead to an unusual creation that is loved by many, such as Tarte Tatin. We only know about batteries and matches because their inventors did not reach their goal through a direct path.

No fear of mistakes.

This book presents nineteen of humanity's most spectacular, amusing, and impressive supposed mistakes. For instance, X-rays were discovered only because the laboratory was exceptionally dark, we owe super glue to a fortunate mishap while developing better lenses for telescopes, and champagne, coffee, and Velcro are all the results of unplanned processes.

Thus, this exciting nonfiction book not only showcases mishaps and coincidences that have advanced humanity but also conveys an important message: Only those who make mistakes achieve progress!.