No one likes to be wrong, but we’ve all done it. We have all come out with some deep words of wisdom, an opinion or a “fact” only to find that just about everyone in the world disagrees with you, or so it seems. Yet you shouldn’t beat yourself up over your mistakes. You are actually in good company. Edison, Einstein, Bill Gates and George Bernard Shaw have all dropped clangers in their time which, today, seem unbelievable.

So, here’s my list of some of the biggest clangers. The next time you make a mistake take comfort from these words – and feel free to add your own.

“Everything that can be invented has been invented.” Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, US Patent Office, 1899.

“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM, 1943.

“Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.” Popular Mechanics, 1949.

“Data processing is a fad that won’t last”. Prentice Hall, business books editor, 1957.

“There is no reason why anyone would want a computer in their home.” Ken Olson, founder President of Digital computers, 1977.

“640K ought to be enough for anyone.” Bill Gates, 1981.

“The invention of the aeroplane would mean the immediate, absolute, instantaneous, universal and perpetual abolishment of frontiers. Armies would vanish and with them the whole hideous business of war, exploitation and subjugation.” Victor Hugo, 1864

“I do not think it at all probable that aeronautics will ever come into play as a serious modification of transport and communication.” H.G.Wells, 1902.

“We sincerely hope that Prof. Langley will not put his substantial greatness as a scientist in further peril by continuing to waste his time and money on this airship experiment.” New York Times, 10 Dec 1903, on Langley’s financing of the Wright brothers.

“Rail travel at high speeds is not possible because passengers, unable to breath, would die of asphyxia.” Dr. Dionysys Lardner (1793-1859).

“I cannot imagine any condition that would cause the Titanic to founder.” Capt. E.J.Smith quoted in The Times, 14 Apr 1912.

“So many centuries after the Creation it is unlikely that anyone could find hitherto unknown lands.” Hernando de Talvaera, 1490, on the voyage contemplated by Columbus.

“They are not worth a dollar!” Senator Daniel Webster, 1848, on the acquisition of New Mexico and California.

“I cannot honestly predict much success for my play Pygmallion.” George Bernard Shaw, 1910.

“The English insist that Shakespeare is a writer of merit. Our water-carriers could do better!” I should be much surprised if his works last more than a few years.” Voltaire, 1760.

“There is a madman proposing to light the street of London – with smoke!” Sir Walter Scott, 1810, on the introduction of gas lights.

“The abolishment of pain in surgery is a chimera. Knife and pain are two words that must forever be associated.” Dr. Alfred Velpeau, 1839.

“They will not try to steal the phonograph. It is not of any commercial value.” Thomas Edison on his own invention.

“American audiences require a restful quiet in the moving-picture theatre. The idea of talking on the screen would destroy the illusion.” Thomas Edison, 1927.

“Fooling around with alternating current is just a waste of time. Nobody will use it, ever. It is too dangerous.” Physicist Nikola Tesla (1856-1943)

“You will never amount to much!” Albert Einstein’s teacher, 1889.

“To kill a man will be considered as disgusting as we in this day consider it disgusting to eat one.” Andrew Carnegie, 1900, on war in the 20th century.

“It may well be that Hitler will emerge as one of those great figures who have enriched the story of mankind….We may yet live to see him a gentler figure in a happier age.” Winston Churchill, 1937.

“I have in my hand a piece of paper from Herr Hitler promising peace in our time.” Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain shortly before the outbreak of World War II.

“As far as sinking a ship with a bomb is concerned, it just can’t be done.” General Douglas Haig in a memo to the British War Council, 1915.

“A single nuclear bomb exploded aboard a ship in port might” well destroy the whole port together with some of the surrounding territory, but such bombs might well prove too heavy for transportation by air.” Albert Einstein, 1939.