The first three decades of the 20th century showed the impressing accomplishments mankind is able to achieve based on intelligence, knowledge, and motivation. The three major syntheses, i.e., the synthesis of ammonia, methanol, and liquid hydrocarbons, which have been developed and realized under presumed impossible circumstances did not only change the world of chemistry and technology. The originality of these syntheses based on elemental raw materials - air, water and fossil carbon sources - led to a confidence in the controllability of technological processes. The consequences of these syntheses provided the impulse to the chemical industry to improve both standard of living and quality of life stepwise and lasting.