What can we learn from the story of the Vasa, a majestic ship that sank in 1628 in the harbor of Stockholm?  

Inspired by a visit to the Vasa museum in Stockholm

As a mankind we could probably avoid many catastrophic failures if we were critical to the information we receive and questioning the “orders”/tasks we are given.

In 1628, Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus embarked on a grand endeavor - the construction of a warship named the Vasa. The king had very ambitious plans and ideas of how the things should be without being an expert in the area of shipbuilding.

400 men were working hard during two years directed by a Dutch engineer Hendrik and finally the ship was ready!

The Vasa set sail on its maiden voyage and tragically sank a few minutes later. The investigation of that misfortune started shortly after. Surprisingly, no one was “punished” for the tragic mistake. How come?

When interviewed, the workers at all the levels were just saying “I was just executing the orders”. And then the loop closed at the king’s level…

Maybe the ship would sail further than that, if people at all the levels were a bit more critical to the “orders” from above and Hendrik, with his expertise, could be more persuasive in front of the king.

The story of the “Vasa” serves as a reminder of the importance of people questioning things and speaking truth to power, even when their opinions differ from those in authority.

P.s. It is also worth mentioning that thanks to that “failure”, the Vasa is the only one well-preserved ship from XVII century 😊