#239 The Wright Brothers

In this episode, David McCullough's book "The Wright Brothers" is discussed, highlighting the relentless resourcefulness and dedication of Wilbur and Orville Wright in achieving human flight. Despite public indifference and ridicule, the brothers, fueled by their intellectual curiosity and inspired by the works of aviation pioneers before them, meticulously researched and conducted experiments, ultimately inventing the first successful powered aircraft. Their journey from operating a bicycle shop to making history with their flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903, and later conducting demonstrations in Europe and the U.S., showcases their unwavering commitment to their vision. The Wrights' story is a testament to the power of perseverance, independent thought, and the pursuit of knowledge over immediate rewards.

• Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright achieved the first successful flight on December 17, 1903.
• John T. Daniels captured the historic moment with a photograph, despite having no prior experience with a camera.
• The flight was erratic and short-lived but marked a significant achievement in human history.
• The Wright brothers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather, accidents, public skepticism, and long-distance travel to their testing site at Kitty Hawk.
• Their efforts were self-funded, contrasting with Samuel Langley's publicly funded but unsuccessful attempt at powered flight.

"At exactly 1035, Orville slipped the rope restraining the flyer, and it headed forward." This quote marks the precise moment when the Wright brothers' flyer began its historic journey, emphasizing the meticulous nature of their work.

"The course of the flight, in Orville's words, was extremely erratic." Despite the unsteadiness, this flight still represented a groundbreaking success in aviation.

"They had endured violent storms, accidents, one disappointment after another, public indifference and ridicule, and clouds of demon mosquitoes to get to and from their remote sand dune testing ground." This quote illustrates the numerous obstacles the Wright brothers overcame in pursuit of their goal, highlighting their perseverance.

• The Wright brothers exemplified the trait of being "relentlessly resourceful," a concept introduced by Paul Graham.
• Their success was attributed to hard work, common sense, and unwavering faith in their idea.
• The brothers' ingenuity allowed them to solve the problem of flight with minimal financial resources compared to other contemporary efforts.

"It wasn't luck that made them fly. It was hard work and common sense." John T. Daniels emphasized that the Wright brothers' success was due to their dedication and practical approach, not mere chance.

"The Wright brothers solved an ancient problem through their own work and research for less than $1,000." This quote highlights the brothers' efficient use of resources and their ability to achieve monumental success without significant financial investment.

• Jeff Bezos stressed the importance of a shared base of knowledge within a company.
• Charlie Munger and Mark Andreessen discussed the value of having colleagues and using historical figures as mental models to guide decision-making.
• Founders often seek advice and perspective on their ideas, drawing from historical examples of entrepreneurship.

"Everybody engaged in complicated work needs colleagues." Charlie Munger's quote underscores the importance of collaboration and the exchange of ideas in complex endeavors.

"What would Elon Musk do in this situation? What would Henry Ford do in this situation? What would Steve Jobs do in this situation?" Mark Andreessen's approach of using historical figures as mental models provides a framework for problem-solving and decision-making.

• Wilbur and Orville Wright's interest in flight began with a toy helicopter given by their father, Bishop Wright.
• Bishop Wright valued the educational aspect of toys and encouraged intellectual curiosity and independent thinking in his children.
• The Wright brothers were known for their industriousness, self-reliance, and unity of purpose.

"No bird soars in a calm." This quote by Wilbur Wright encapsulates the idea that challenges and adversity are necessary for achievement and progress.

"Asked what he was up to, he told her he was making a machine of a kind, that he and his brother were going to fly someday." Orville's early declaration to his teacher demonstrates the brothers' long-standing ambition and confidence in their vision of flight.

• The Wright brothers were characterized by their tremendous energy, work ethic, and mutual dependence.
• They were known for being self-contained, industrious, and inseparable in their personal and professional lives.
• Despite occasional conflicts, they were able to effectively challenge and complement each other's ideas.

"They could be highly demanding and critical of each other. They could disagree to the point of shouting at times." This quote illustrates the brothers' passionate and sometimes contentious collaboration, which ultimately contributed to their success.

"Neither ever chose to be anything other than himself." The Wright brothers remained authentic to their individual personalities, which played a role in their ability to innovate and succeed.

• The Wright family emphasized the importance of reading and self-education.
• Bishop Wright's advice on behavior, habits, and perseverance was influential in shaping the brothers' character and approach to life.
• The Wright brothers' upbringing was modest, but rich in intellectual stimulation and encouragement.

"The greatest thing in our favor was growing up in a family where there was always much encouragement to intellectual curiosity." Orville Wright recognized the significant non-monetary advantages they had, such as a supportive environment for learning and exploration.

"Every mind should be true to itself, should think, investigate, and conclude for itself." This maxim, cited by the Wright brothers, underscores the importance of independent thinking and personal inquiry.

• The Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville, were inspired by predecessors in the field of aviation.
• They were particularly influenced by the work of German glider enthusiast Otto Lilienthal.
• The brothers read extensively about aviation history and the mechanics of flight, sharing knowledge with each other.
• They sought to build upon the existing knowledge and innovations in powered flight.
• The Wright brothers made a pact not to fly together due to the high risk of fatal accidents.

"I wish to avail myself of all that is already known. So please send me the information that I need for what these people accomplished before I was even alive. I'm going to read everything and I'm going to build on where they left off."

This quote by Wilbur Wright shows his dedication to learning from the past and building upon the work of others to advance the field of aviation.

• Otto Lilienthal was a pioneer in aviation who started gliding in 1869.
• He learned from observing birds and built over a dozen different gliders.
• Lilienthal's death in a gliding accident at age 48 was a pivotal moment that spurred the Wright brothers' interest in aviation.
• The Wright brothers were motivated by Lilienthal's writings and his determination to understand the science of flight.

"It must not remain our desire, only to acquire the art of the bird, it is our duty not to rest until we have attained a perfect scientific conception of the problem of flight."

Lilienthal's words, as recounted by the Wright brothers, reflect the commitment to not just imitate but to understand and innovate in the realm of flight.

• Wilbur Wright requested materials from the Smithsonian Institute on powered flight.
• The brothers studied various works on animal and aerial locomotion.
• They were particularly interested in literature from France, which had a rich collection of aviation materials.
• The Wright brothers' approach to learning was meticulous and driven by inspiration from the works they read.

"Aerial locomotion has always excited the strongest curiosity among mankind."

This quote from a French physician's book on the motion of birds underscores the long-standing human fascination with flight.

• The Wright brothers faced well-funded competitors like Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison.
• Despite having fewer resources, no formal education in the field, and no connections, they persevered.
• They were driven by a mission and a sense of duty, undeterred by the many challenges they faced.

"In no way did any of this discourage or deter Wilbur and Orville Wright, any more than the fact that they had no college education, no formal technical training, no experience working with anyone other than themselves, no friends in high places, no financial backers, no government subsidies, and little money of their own are the entirely real possibility that at some point, like Oto Lillenthal, they could be killed."

This quote from David McCullough's book illustrates the Wright brothers' resilience and commitment to solving the problem of flight despite numerous obstacles.

• The Wright brothers corresponded with experts like Octave Chanute and Samuel Langley for advice and information.
• They also sought help from the United States Weather Bureau to find suitable locations for their flying experiments.
• Their approach to problem-solving involved reaching out and leveraging the knowledge and resources of others.

"I am about to begin a systematic study of the subject in preparation for practical work to which I expect to devote what time I can spare from my regular business."

Wilbur Wright's letter to the Smithsonian Institution demonstrates the brothers' methodical approach to tackling the challenge of flight.

• The Wright brothers built and tested gliders, drawing on their research and observations of birds.
• They conducted their experiments in steps, starting with gliding before attempting powered flight.
• The brothers were cautious and focused on learning rather than taking unnecessary risks.

"The man who wishes to keep at the problem long enough to really learn anything positively must not take dangerous risks. Carelessness and overconfidence are usually more dangerous than deliberately accepted risks."

Wilbur Wright's philosophy on the importance of safety and learning in their experiments reveals their pragmatic approach to innovation.

• The Wright brothers were known for their intense work ethic, balancing their bicycle shop business with their aviation experiments.
• They were passionate about their work, which is evident in their willingness to endure hardships and setbacks.
• Their dedication to their dream of flight was unwavering, even in the face of adversity.

"The brothers seemed to sense, as they never had, the adventure of life. Orville would later say that even with all the adversities they had to face, it was the happiest time that they had ever known."

This quote reflects the Wright brothers' fulfillment and joy in pursuing their passion for flight, despite the challenges.

• Orville Wright and his team faced significant environmental and logistical challenges while setting up their camp.
• They had to build a substantial shed for the new glider and install a well for fresh water.
• The team encountered a severe mosquito plague that caused great discomfort and hindered their work.

"They had to drive a pipe ten to 12ft into the ground to serve as a well, because there was no source of fresh water within a mile of their camp."

This quote highlights the lack of basic resources like fresh water at the campsite, necessitating the need for the team to create a well.

"The mosquitoes appeared in the form of a mighty cloud and almost darkened out the sun."

The quote vividly describes the overwhelming mosquito infestation the team faced, which was a significant obstacle to their work and well-being.

• The Wright brothers experienced setbacks with their glider and discovered that established aeronautical calculations were incorrect.
• Despite these challenges, they remained determined to continue their work and learn from their own experiments.
• Wilbur Wright's initial despair did not last, and he quickly returned to work with renewed determination.

"Wilbur was at such a low point that he declared that not in a thousand years would man ever fly."

This quote illustrates Wilbur's momentary loss of hope, which was a significant emotional low point in their journey.

"We had to go ahead and discover everything ourselves."

The quote encapsulates the Wright brothers' realization that they could not rely on existing data and needed to conduct their experiments to make progress.

• The Wright brothers were invited to speak publicly about their experiments, despite feeling like imposters.
• They emphasized the necessity of taking risks and gaining practical experience to solve the problem of flight.
• Their approach to innovation was to learn by doing and to test and iterate their designs.

"It's not just that the machine had performed so poorly... but that so many of the long established, supposedly reliable calculations and tables... had proved to be wrong."

This quote underscores the unreliability of existing aeronautical data, which the Wright brothers had to overcome through their independent research.

"If you really wish to learn, you must mount a machine and become acquainted with its tricks by actual trial."

The quote stresses the importance of hands-on experience and the willingness to take risks as essential to learning and innovation.

• The Wright brothers faced periods of public indifference and ridicule but remained focused on their work.
• They proceeded in their own way, undistracted by the failures of others or the negative opinions of the public.
• Their persistence and unique approach eventually led to significant breakthroughs in aeronautics.

"The speech was the book of Genesis on the 20th century bible of aeronautics."

This quote signifies the importance of Wilbur Wright's speech, which was a foundational moment in the history of aeronautics.

"They're making all these crazy... They realize, hey, the numbers that you guys, everybody else is using, those books are cooked, right?"

The quote highlights the Wright brothers' realization that they had to disregard the flawed data used by others and develop their own accurate measurements.

• The Wright brothers were known for their ability to solve problems independently and were respected by the local residents for their resourcefulness.
• They recognized the importance of giving their brains a break to allow for processing and the spontaneous emergence of new ideas.
• The concept of relentless resourcefulness is exemplified by their innovative and cost-effective solutions.

"The brothers were on their own again. And in ten days of practice, they made more glides than in all the preceding weeks."

This quote demonstrates how the Wright brothers made rapid progress once they were able to focus without distractions.

"They knew they had solved the problem of flight and more. They had acquired the knowledge and the skill to fly."

The quote reflects the Wright brothers' confidence in their achievements and their readiness to move on to the next phase of powered flight.

• The Wright brothers faced one more problem before they could achieve powered flight: building up enough speed for takeoff.
• They devised a simple yet effective launch system for their flyer, demonstrating their ingenuity.
• The brothers' story emphasizes the importance of staying focused on one's work and not getting distracted by the criticism or failures of others.

"The flyer would be launched on a single wooden track that would serve like a railroad track that was 60ft in length on which it would slide."

This quote describes the innovative solution the Wright brothers developed to overcome the challenge of achieving the necessary takeoff speed.

"Neither brother was ever to make critical or belittling comments about Langley."

The quote shows the Wright brothers' respect for their contemporaries and their focus on their own work rather than engaging in criticism of others.

• All successful individuals in the podcast have shown an unwavering commitment to their work, utilizing all their resources and energy.
• Even after significant achievements, they focus on the next steps instead of dwelling on past successes.
• The Wright brothers exemplify this by immediately planning to build a new motor after their historic flight, demonstrating a forward-looking mindset.
• Continuous effort and focus on improvement are crucial, as shown by Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, who also resume their work shortly after their victories.

"They were always thinking of the next thing to do. They didn't waste much time worrying about the past."

This quote highlights the importance of forward momentum and not resting on one's laurels, which is a common trait among high achievers.

• The Wright brothers had to run a profitable business to fund their experiments, showcasing the need for financial acumen alongside technical innovation.
• They made strategic decisions to cut costs, like moving their flight experiments closer to home, which also reflects their adaptability.
• The Wright brothers' story emphasizes the balance between pursuing passion projects and maintaining financial stability.

"Nor could they neglect earning an income sufficient to cover both expenses at the shop and at home. Not to say the cost of their experiments."

This quote underlines the balance the Wright brothers maintained between their innovative pursuits and their financial responsibilities.

• The Wright brothers recognized the necessity of mastering the art of flying, which involved more than just creating a powered flight machine.
• Their approach to learning and adapting to new challenges was methodical and patient, focusing on incremental progress.
• The story of their persistence through setbacks and their positive attitude is a testament to their resilience.

"Therefore, Wilbur stressed, they would have to learn to accommodate themselves to the circumstances."

This quote reflects the Wright brothers' understanding that success requires adapting to changing situations and continuous learning.

• Inventors often face public indifference rather than opposition, which can be a significant barrier to success.
• The Wright brothers initially received little attention for their flights, with the first significant recognition coming from an unlikely source: a beekeeping trade journal.
• Persistence in the face of indifference is critical, as eventually, public interest can grow from a few individuals to widespread acclaim.

"The test of an invention is the power of the inventor to push it through in the face of staunch indifference in society."

This quote by Edwin Land underscores the challenge inventors face in gaining recognition and the importance of perseverance.

• Wilbur Wright's character exemplifies the traits of a strong and successful individual: confidence, humility, and the ability to remain unfazed by pressure.
• His well-rounded knowledge and dedication to his work are likened to a religious mission, indicating a deep commitment to his calling.
• The Wright brothers' story shows that success often requires a combination of technical skill, character strength, and personal integrity.

"He went his way, always in his own way, never showing off, never, ever playing to the crowd."

This quote captures Wilbur Wright's independence and authenticity, which contributed to his success.

• Demonstrations can be more persuasive than any argument or written copy, as shown by the Wright brothers' public flights.
• The success of their demonstrations led to global recognition and shifted them from obscurity to celebrity status.
• The power of showing a product in action is highlighted as a key strategy for convincing potential customers and investors.

"No argument in the world can ever compare with one dramatic demo."

This quote, reflecting Claude Hopkins' perspective, emphasizes the effectiveness of live demonstrations in selling a product.

• The Wright brothers' innovation had a profound impact on technology and society, recognized by leaders in various fields.
• Their story is a source of inspiration for anyone who believes in the transformative power of technology.
• The legacy of the Wright brothers extends beyond their lifetime, influencing generations and changing the course of history.

"The best dividends on labor invested have invariably come from seeking more knowledge rather than more power."

This quote reveals the Wright brothers' belief that the pursuit of knowledge yields the greatest rewards, a principle that guided their work and success.