Today marks a remarkable milestone as LEGO celebrates 68 years of sparking creativity and imagination through its iconic interlocking bricks. This journey began when Godtfred Christiansen, the son of a Danish carpenter and a successful toy manufacturer, walked into a patent office to file a design for these innovative plastic bricks. The name LEGO, meaning “play well” in Danish, was born out of Godtfred’s vision to harness the potential of plastic as a replacement for wood in children’s toys. It took five years of experimentation to find the perfect material for LEGO bricks, which are still made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) polymer today. Remarkably, around 600 billion bricks have been produced since then.
While the beloved LEGO-themed sets and minifigures came a decade later, the original simple bricks quickly gained popularity. One fascinating fact is that LEGO bricks from 1958 can still interlock with modern versions, showcasing their timeless design. Additionally, LEGO sets designed for young children are fully compatible with those intended for teenagers. The versatility of LEGO is astounding; six 2×4 stud bricks can be combined in an incredible 915,103,765 different ways! Another remarkable aspect of LEGO is its precision manufacturing, where machines can refine a brick’s dimensions to within 10 micrometers. This ensures that the bricks fit together snugly yet can be easily separated, even by small hands.
LEGO’s journey has not been without challenges. In the 1990s, the company faced tough times due to several unsuccessful product launches, putting it in a precarious financial situation. However, it was the adult fans who embraced the meditative joy of building with LEGO that helped revive the company. Many began using basic electrical currents to create moving sets and machines, which contributed to LEGO’s resurgence. By 2021, LEGO had proudly become the largest toy company in the world.
On this day in history, we also celebrate other significant events. Forty-one years ago, a remarkable group of American artists came together to record the charity song “We Are the World,” aimed at raising funds for famine relief in Africa. Penned by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, this iconic song quickly became the fastest-selling American pop single, selling over 20 million copies and generating more than $63 million for humanitarian aid.
More than 45 of America’s most prominent musicians lent their talents to this cause, putting aside their egos for the greater good. Stars like Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, and Tina Turner contributed to this unforgettable recording, which ultimately became the best-selling single in pop music history. Since its release, the production by Quincy Jones has raised over one hundred million dollars for African relief efforts.
As we reflect on these inspiring moments, let’s celebrate creativity, compassion, and the impactful legacies they create. Happy 90th Birthday to Alan Alda, fondly remembered for his comedic role as Capt. Hawkeye Pierce in the beloved TV series M*A*S*H!
