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Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, often talks about the power of invention and persistence. He believes that great inventors are driven by a desire to improve even the most ordinary things. One story he loves to share is about Mary Anderson, the woman who invented the windshield wiper.
Photo: iame.com.au
Seeing the Problem
Imagine driving a car in the early 1900s. There were no windshield wipers, so when it rained, drivers had to pull over, wipe the windshield with a rag, drive a bit more, and repeat. For most people, this was just part of driving in the rain. But not for Mary Anderson. She thought it was ridiculous and believed there had to be a better way.
Inventing the Solution
Mary Anderson didn't let the status quo stop her. She invented the windshield wiper in 1903, a simple yet revolutionary device. At first, many people criticized her invention. They thought it would be too distracting for drivers to have a wiper moving back and forth in front of them. But Mary persisted.
Overcoming Criticism
Despite the initial skepticism, Mary Anderson pushed forward with her idea. She believed in her invention and didn't let the negative feedback deter her. Her persistence paid off. Within ten years, windshield wipers became standard equipment on all cars, drastically improving driving safety and convenience.
Lessons from Mary's Story
Mary Anderson's story teaches us several valuable lessons:
See the Ordinary Problems: Sometimes, the most significant innovations come from solving everyday problems. Great inventors notice these issues and find better solutions.
Persist Through Criticism: New ideas often face skepticism. It's essential to believe in your vision and keep pushing forward, even when others doubt you.
Make a Lasting Impact: Mary Anderson's windshield wiper wasn't just a small improvement; it became a standard feature in all cars, showing how one invention can change the world.
Conclusion
Jeff Bezos loves to share Mary's story because it perfectly illustrates the power of persistence and innovation. Her ability to see a problem, invent a solution, and push through criticism transformed the driving experience for everyone. So next time you use your windshield wipers, remember Mary Anderson and be inspired by her determination to make things better.
Listen to Jeff Bezos:
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