Sometimes, I hear a story that brings tears to my eyes and hope in my heart for a different kind of future, where the greater good triumphs over personal gain. Dr Jonas Salk prioritising generosity and service over profit is one of those stories…
In the early 1950s, polio was one of the most feared diseases in the world, crippling or killing thousands every year. The first effective vaccine was developed by Dr Jonas Salk. During an interview in 1955 for the See It Now TV Show, he was asked who owned the patent and famously replied: “Well, the people, I would say. There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?”
By refusing to patent his discovery, Salk gave up billions in potential profit. Instead, he allowed his life-saving vaccine to spread freely, reaching millions of people and eventually helping to nearly eradicate polio.
His choice reflected a deep value: service. He placed human wellbeing above personal gain. In doing so, he left behind not just a medical breakthrough, but a legacy of generosity and integrity.
You can find out more about Jonas Salk’s work and legacy at the Salk Institute’s website.
Reflection: What it teaches us
In a world often driven by profit, Salk’s example reminds us that values like service and generosity can leave a legacy more valuable than money – one that improves lives for generations.
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