Which inventors have invented something useful without registering the rights to their invention because they thought it was too useful for mankind?

Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, chose not to register the rights to his creation in 1989. Instead, he made it freely available to the world. This decision to forgo patenting his invention has allowed the internet to grow and flourish, fostering innovation and collaboration on a global scale.

Jonas Salk, in the 1950s, developed the polio vaccine, a significant breakthrough in preventing the disease. Rather than patenting the vaccine for personal gain, Salk believed it was essential for the greater good of humanity. As a result, the vaccine was made widely accessible, leading to the successful eradication of polio in many parts of the world.

Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux operating system kernel, exemplifies the power of open-source software. Torvalds released Linux under the GNU General Public License, allowing anyone to use, modify, and distribute the software freely. His decision to not seek patents on his invention has led to the widespread adoption of Linux, benefiting countless individuals and organizations.

These inventors set aside their personal interests and embraced a larger vision for the betterment of society. By choosing not to register their inventions, they demonstrated a belief in the value of sharing and collaboration. Their selflessness and commitment to the greater good have had a lasting impact, inspiring others to follow suit and contribute to the advancement of humanity.