Episode 98 - Friedrich Serturner & Trail Blazers

America is called the hotbed of inventors and trailblazers. But even if you invent the next lightbulb, how likely is it to make you rich?

On this episode of The Re-Engineered You we look at the life of Friedrich Serturner, the man who invented morphine. Actually, he invented an entire scientific field, a type of medicine, and a new methodology, all while working as a pharmacist’s apprentice. But his journey to being recognized and having his invention get adopted by the public was, to say the least, fraught and unpredictable. From the moment he accidentally poisoned a group of teenagers in the back of his shop, to the moment a world-renown poet decided to champion his cause.

We’ll also take a look at trailblazers and inventors in general, since America has had a long-lasting love affair with our scientists. We’ll talk about Edison, Tesla, Musk, and Bezos, and we’ll ask: what separates the wealthy and successful inventor from the failed inventor? And what separates the foolish inventor from his invention, and straight into the pockets of unscrupulous investors?