#13: How to Save a Life

Companies spend a lot of money on research and development, so from a purely financial point of view, it makes a lot of sense for them to patent and protect any discoveries or developments that they make, so that they can make their money back by making sure that they, and not their competitors, benefit from it.

The problem with that is when one of these developments is something that could genuinely save lives and improve the world. Volvo had the wisdom and insight to see that the development of the three-point seat belt was of such importance to the rest of the world that it would be dangerously selfish to keep it to themselves. Good for you, Volvo!