Spencer Silver was a senior scientist working for 3M. In 1968 he was working to develop new classes of adhesives when he discovered an acrylic adhesive with unique properties. It was formed of tiny spheres that provided a pressure-sensitive adhesive with a high level of tack but a low degree of adhesion. In short, in could be used over and over again. Dr. Silver thought to himself this was so unique, it has to be good for something.
Dr. Silver shared his discovery with many people at 3M, but no one would seem to be listening. Many years went by and nothing more happened with Dr. Silvers discovery. That is until another 3M scientist, Arthur Fry, was practicing in his church choir one day. During that practice his paper bookmarks kept falling out of his hymnal. Art Fry became very frustrated and in this moment he thought of the tape that Spencer Silver had told him about.
Arthur Fry had some small pieces of paper made up and he put the sticky edge on one end. He then shard them with the choir. The choir loved them. He then shared them with a few secretaries. They loved them too. When they had ran out, they begged Art Fry for more of them. Well, in 1980 the Post It Notes were introduced and they were an immediate success. This was 12 years after Dr. Spencer Silver’s first discovery of that sticky substance that at first didn’t seem to have any value at all.
No matter how much time has passed, if you know something in your heart has value, don’t give up on it. This is especially true for those serious micronations. Other people may think little of your dreams and aspirations, your value, but you just keep working on your value and time will be the testament of truth. That’s a thought to ponder on.
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