"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it
can achieve."
Would you agree with the statement that a dream is born
from an idea-a simple idea conceived in the mind?
Back in the 19th century two brothers had an idea which
eventually became their passionate and consuming dream.
Their relentless pursuit of that dream was rewarded with
an accomplishment that changed world travel.
On Friday December 17, 1903 at 10:35 AM, the Wright
brothers (Wilbur and Orville) achieved their dream. They
flew "the world's first power-driven, heavier-than-air
machine in which man made free, controlled, and sustained
flight." This memorable feat took place at Kitty Hawk,
North Carolina on a cold windy morning.
The dream started with an idea that was planted in their
minds by a toy given to them by their father. In the words
of the boys, "Late in the autumn of 1878, our father came
into the house one evening with some object partly
concealed in his hands, and before we could see what it
was, he tossed it into the air. Instead of falling to the floor,
as we expected, it flew across the room till it struck the
ceiling, where it fluttered awhile, and finally sank to the
floor." This simple toy made of bamboo, cork and
stretched rubber bands, fascinated the Wright brothers and
sparked their lifelong interest in human flight.
The Wright brothers were great thinkers. They enjoyed
learning new things. Initially, they recycled broken parts,
built a printing press and opened their own printing office.
Their interest moved to bicycles and in 1893, they opened
the Wright Cycle Company where they sold and repaired
bicycles. But Wilbur (the older brother) had his mind set
on something more exciting. He decided to seriously pursue
flying.
The brothers spent many hours researching, testing their
machines and making improvements after unsuccessful
attempts at human flight. What started out as a hobby soon
became a passion. With determination and patience they
realized their dream in 1903.
The next time you hear or see an airplane or travel on
one, remember where it all started. A simply idea conceived
in the minds of two young men who did not finish high
school. Believe it or not, they did not have a University
degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics
or any other subject. They were not scientists in the true
sense of the word. In fact, many of their peers who did
not witness their accomplishment, had trouble believing
that two bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio did what
they claimed.
What idea or ideas are YOU working on? Have you said
you can't do this or that because you are not a scientist?
Have you limited yourself by saying you are not smart
enough? Or have you joined the majority in saying that
everything has already been invented or discovered?
Since the introduction of the first generation of personal
computers in 1981, we are able to do many things more
efficiently. With a super computer between your ears
and the personal computer at your finger tips, your dream
can be achieved. First, give birth to that dream with an
idea. A simply idea that ANYONE of us can conceive!
