History contains a record of infinite potentials discovered
and countless opportunities missed due to a lack of perception, tradition-bound
attitudes and insistence on anachronistic behaviours. Here are some of them:
In the 15th Century, a great number of Portuguese vessels
were dispatched in search of a route around Africa, but all of them were
repelled by an impenetrable barrier when they reached the tiny Cape Bojador
midway down the Western coast of the continent. The barrier was the widespread
belief that Bojador represented the edge of the world and that to sail beyond
it was certain death. It took persistent efforts by Prince Henry, 12
expeditions, and a very large purse to persuade one bold captain to skirt the cape
and break the perceptual wall. Once done, Portugal soon discovered the Southern
route to India and became a leading mercantile power.
