Change-makers are rarely met with open arms

In our post-industrial world, we have become so accustomed to the fact that when you turn on the faucet, clean water comes out. That is so remarkable. Considering in 1908, Jersey City, New Jersey was the first city in the United States to begin routine disinfection of community drinking water. Dramatically reducing Cholera and Typhoid in the process.

And yet, it was met with so much controversy. John Leal was the first to come up with the idea of using small amounts of chlorine to disinfect drinking water. Implementing it without permission, Leal faced not one but two lawsuits before being vindicated.

The hero of public health rarely got the credit that was much deserved. Saving millions of lives and allowing cities to function as we see today.

If you want to disrupt how things are, you are not likely going to be met with open arms. And if you actually go through with it, it won’t necessarily lead to the fame and glory that is deserved. But if you want to do something important, you are on the right track.