“[Two-time Nobel laureate Linus Pauling] was wrong, and after a while, I enjoyed every moment of this scientific battle, knowing that he was wrong.”

– Dan Shechtman
Iowa State University professor
Winner of the 2011 Nobel Prize in chemistry

The Context:
Shechtman’s experiments on crystals revealed a structure that science had previously said was impossible. He published his study in 1984. It was widely questioned. Leading the opposition against Shechtman’s findings was one of the most famous scientists in the world, Linus Pauling. “I was a subject of ridicule and lectures about the basics of crystallography,” Shechtman said. To his last day, Pauling fought against Shechtman’s research. But, 27 years of ridicule later… justice, in the form of a 2011 Nobel Prize.

The Takeaway:
You likely won’t be using crystals in your everyday business, but the next time your brand-new idea is challenging the status quo in your business or industry, take a note from Dan Shechtman.