In the United States, there was a collector named Norman Watt. Observing many collectors spending lavishly to acquire valuable items, he had an epiphany: why not collect some inferior paintings? Thus, he began acquiring two types of subpar artworks: one being the "off works" of famous artists, and the other being paintings by unknown individuals priced under $5. Before long, he had amassed over 200 such inferior paintings.
In 1974, he placed an advertisement in the newspaper announcing the first-ever exhibition of inferior art. The purpose was to enable young people to learn how to discern quality through comparison, thereby discovering the true value of good and renowned paintings.
Watt's advertisement spread widely, becoming a popular topic of conversation after meals. People flocked to visit the exhibition, with some even traveling from afar. To everyone's surprise, the exhibition was a huge success.
Another exhibition similar to the "inferior art show" is the "Museum of Failed Products." There is a market intelligence service company in America whose manager is named Robert. He has a passion for collecting and gathered a total of 750,000 "failed products." Later on, Robert attempted to establish a "Museum of Failed Products."
This museum displays numerous products that companies and individuals painstakingly developed but ultimately failed for various reasons. Visitors came in droves, and the experience can be summed up by Edison's words: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Only when I know all the methods that don't work do I understand how to do it right." Robert achieved unexpected success.
Failure is like an open academy. Within this academy of failure, the light of truth shines particularly bright, illuminating the path for people to turn danger into safety and defeat into victory.