Polio Vaccine: Serving All, Seeking Nothing
| Category: | Defining Moments |
|---|---|
| Notes: | Dr. Jonas Salk developed the first effective vaccine for polio. When asked who owned the patent, he said, "There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?" |
Polio Vaccine: Serving All, Seeking Nothing
In the early 1900s, polio was a terrifying disease. It could paralyze children-and there was no cure. But in 1955, Dr. Jonas Salk announced something remarkable: a safe, effective vaccine.
His work would save millions of lives.
When a journalist asked who owned the patent-how much money he would make-Dr. Salk simply replied, "There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?"
He didn't do it for wealth or fame. He did it to help others.
As Scouts, we're taught to help people at all times. Dr. Salk's quiet example reminds us that the greatest rewards don't come from what we take-but from what we give.