In the mid-19th century, an erroneous report by a government geologist in Australia declared the discovery of gold in quantities far greater than actually existed. A misplaced decimal point in the report exaggerated the potential wealth, sparking a massive gold rush. Thousands flocked to Australia, drawn by the promise of untold riches. While the gold deposits were significant, they fell short of the inflated expectations. Nonetheless, the influx of people and capital transformed Australia's economy and society, leading to rapid development and the establishment of new towns and industries. This mishap demonstrates how a simple mathematical error can set off a chain reaction of economic and social change, reshaping a nation's destiny.
