In the late 1960s, a scientist aiming to create a super-strong adhesive unexpectedly invented a very weak, repositionable glue. What iconic stationery item eventually emerged from this deemed "failure"?

This story is true! In 1968, 3M scientist Spencer Silver was trying to create a super-strong adhesive but accidentally developed a "low-tack, repositionable" adhesive. For years, no one knew what to do with it. Then, in 1974, another 3M colleague, Arthur Fry, was frustrated by his paper bookmarks falling out of his hymnal. He remembered Silver's "useless" adhesive and realized it was perfect for making repositionable bookmarks. This simple insight led to the development of the Post-it Note, which officially launched in 1980. It proves that one person's "failure" is another's game-changing invention – and perfect for office gossip!