33 Inventions That Started as a Mistake But Turned Out to Be Life-Changing

While some inventions result from tireless work, others emerge purely by chance. An unusual instance of a landmark invention arising from spite occurred in 1853 with George Crum, a chef at the Carey Moon Lake House in Saratoga, New York. Crum unintentionally invented the potato chip, now a beloved snack worldwide, under quite unique circumstances.

Attempting to please an unhappy patron who complained their French fries weren’t thin enough, George Crum, out of frustration, thinly sliced potatoes and fried them until crisp. This act of defiance unexpectedly satisfied the customer’s demands, giving birth to the potato chip. This culinary accident has since become a snacking staple enjoyed by many.