The episode delves into the early age of aviation, exploring the intense rivalry between the Wright brothers and Glenn Curtiss, as chronicled in Lawrence Goldstone's book "Birdmen." The Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville, are depicted as pioneers who solved the riddle of human flight but became embroiled in legal battles to control their inventions, a strategy that ultimately led to Wilbur's untimely death and Orville's withdrawal from the business. In contrast, Glenn Curtiss is portrayed as a master builder and relentless innovator, whose perseverance and continuous improvement of his products allowed him to surpass the Wrights, culminating in his retirement with significant achievements under his belt. The narrative also touches upon the contributions of other key figures like Octave Chanute, Lincoln Beachy, and John Moisant, underscoring the bravery, competition, and innovation that characterized the dawn of aviation.
"Air travel is now so commonplace, has been so widely experienced, that those who risked their lives every time they took an airplane up, who flew an open aircraft, totally exposed to the elements and without seat restraints, who took their machines to great heights in freezing cold or in pelting rain, who died and watched their friends die, pushing up against the limits of performance, have become almost mythical figures."
This quote emphasizes the transformation of air travel from a perilous venture to a common mode of transportation, highlighting the contrast between modern comfort and the dangers faced by early aviators.
"This is the part that I read on the Kindle and immediately ordered the paperback version, which I hold in my hand right now."
Speaker A expresses their immediate interest in the book "Birdman" after reading a sample, leading them to purchase a physical copy.
"The Wright family did not believe Wilbur's death to have been the result of bad luck to them, Wilbur had been as good as murdered, hounded to his grave by a competitor so dishonest, so unscrupulous, so lacking in human feeling as to remain a family scourge as long as any of them remained alive."
The quote reflects the Wright family's belief that the stress from the rivalry with Glenn Curtis contributed to Wilbur's untimely death.
"The bitter decade long, right. Curtis feud pitted against each other two of the nation's most brilliant innovators, and shaped the course of american aviation. The ferocity with which Wilbur Wright attacked and Glenn Curtis countered first launched America into preeminence in the skies, and then doomed it to mediocrity."
This quote outlines the paradox of how the rivalry initially spurred innovation but eventually led to a stagnation in American aviation progress.
"As is often the case with those who despise each other, Curtis and Wilbur were sufficiently alike to have been brothers themselves."
The quote draws attention to the similarities between the two rivals, suggesting that their shared characteristics may have fueled their intense competition.
"Early flyers, birdmen, as they were called, were pioneers heading, heeding the same draw to riches or fame, our illumination of the unknown, that motivated those who had crossed unchartered oceans century before."
This quote connects the adventurous spirit of early aviators to that of historical explorers, emphasizing a shared drive toward the unknown.
"Achieving flight might well be considered the oldest and most profound of all human aspirations."
This quote captures the depth and historical significance of the human desire to achieve flight, framing it as one of humanity's most enduring challenges.
"Understand that every single problem that we have in the world right now can there is a solution."
This quote emphasizes the belief that all problems are solvable, encouraging an optimistic and proactive mindset.
"And I think that's just one of the benefits of reading a ton of history."
Speaker A suggests that reading history is beneficial for understanding the progress over time and overcoming the notion of impossibility.
"So it says if the flying process was to move forward with any efficiency, experimenters would need some means to separate what seemed to work from what seemed to not."
This quote highlights the necessity of data sharing and collaboration for the advancement of aviation, emphasizing Chinute's contribution to the field.
"The man who most appreciated the need was someone who, while not producing a single design that resulted in flight, was arguably the most important person to participate in its gestation."
This quote signifies the crucial role that Chinute played in aviation, not as an inventor but as an organizer and disseminator of knowledge.
"The Wright brothers identify immediately. They just see, hey, none of the stuff the guy says is actually true."
This quote points out the Wright brothers' ability to discern the truth and protect themselves from fraudulent individuals like Herring.
"Wilbur had his first great epiphany, a counterintuitive deduction. He came to understand that the best way to achieve stability in flight was to make an aircraft inherently unstable."
The quote captures Wilbur Wright's groundbreaking insight that led to a fundamental advancement in aviation, showing the value of thinking differently from competitors.
"Early in 1905, a brash, fearless teenager named Lincoln Beachy walked into his office, and within minutes, Baldwin knew he had struck gold."
This quote introduces Lincoln Beachy, another key figure in aviation history, highlighting the interconnectedness of innovators in the field.
"Increasingly concerned that their design would be stolen, they decided to do no more public flying."
This quote illustrates the Wright brothers' initial decision to keep their technology secret, which was later recognized as a strategic error.
"If you demo your product, and there's 200,000 of them, how many of your product are you going to sell? A ton."
This quote emphasizes the importance of product demonstrations in front of large audiences to increase sales. Demonstrations can significantly influence the success of a product.
"The brothers were not about to deal with outsiders."
This quote highlights the Wright brothers' reluctance to collaborate with external parties, potentially limiting their opportunities for improvement and innovation.
"What followed was the most important and controversial meeting in aviation history."
The quote refers to the meeting's historical significance and its role in shaping the narrative around the patent disputes between the Wright brothers and Glenn Curtis.
"Alexander Graham Bell decided to assemble his own team of talented young men to attack the flying problem."
This statement underscores Bell's proactive approach to innovation by gathering a team of young, talented individuals, including Glenn Curtis.
"He realizes innovation usually comes from the young."
The quote highlights Bell's understanding of the importance of youth in driving innovation, which is why he sought to recruit younger team members like Glenn Curtis.
"Thomas Selfridge winds up being the first fatality ever."
This quote serves as a historical note regarding Thomas Selfridge's role in aviation history, marking a somber milestone in the development of flight.
"It's just amazing how all these people were connected."
The quote reflects on the surprising interconnectedness of historical figures in the realm of entrepreneurship and innovation.
"They're so focused on trying to build a business and protect their patents, they're not innovating."
This quote criticizes the Wright brothers for becoming too preoccupied with business concerns to continue innovating, which ultimately hindered their progress.
"Never underestimate your opponent because it's all downside and no upside."
The quote is a warning against the risks of underestimating competitors, as doing so offers no benefit and can lead to significant consequences.
"After years of sustaining the media, Wilbur and Orville had finally learned that perception could not be ignored."
This quote highlights the lesson learned by the Wright brothers regarding the importance of media perception in the success of their business.
"When a man is in that condition, he tends to trust the carefulness of others instead of doing everything and examining everything himself."
Wilbur Wright's observation emphasizes the importance of personal oversight and focus to avoid relying too much on others, which can lead to mistakes.
"You can't make a good deal with a bad person."
The quote, repeated for emphasis, serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in forming partnerships with untrustworthy individuals.
"French designers had been experimenting furiously, and the gap was closing."
This quote indicates the rapid pace at which competitors can catch up, highlighting the importance of continual innovation and awareness of the competitive landscape.
"Curtis might not be the architect, but he's the builder, right?"
The quote draws a distinction between the roles of inventing and improving upon inventions, recognizing Curtis's contributions to advancing aviation.
"The primary goals of the new company were to permanently neuter competition."
This quote outlines the aggressive business strategy of the Wright company, which sought to establish a monopoly in the aviation industry.
"One of those was Henry Ford, who at the time was a small operator."
The quote provides historical context regarding Henry Ford's early career and his defiance against what he saw as an unjust patent monopoly, setting an example that impacted the Wright brothers' legal strategies.
"I am afraid, my friend, that your usually sound judgment has been warped by your desire for great wealth."
This quote from Octave Chanute to Wilbur Wright illustrates the importance of having someone who can offer a reality check and potentially steer one away from misguided decisions.
"Books are the original links, and they're constantly introducing us to new, interesting people."
The quote captures the essence of how books can connect readers to a wealth of knowledge and introduce them to influential figures from history.
Gates made a fortune selling barbed wire in the dying days of the open range parlayed that into a bigger fortune in land speculation. Then in 1902, struck oil in Texas and founded the company that would become Texaco.
This quote encapsulates Gates' successful ventures from barbed wire to founding Texaco, highlighting his diverse business acumen.
John M. Was something of an international celebrity. He had narrowly evaded capture and possible execution after a third failed attempt to lead an invasion of El Salvador.
This quote describes John Moissant's adventurous and risky life, which included failed political invasions and narrow escapes.
John might have been headstrong and narcissistic, but he was far from stupid. His plan was to become the world's greatest exhibition flyer in an aircraft of his own creation.
This quote highlights Moissant's ambition and intelligence in pursuing a dual role as an aircraft designer and exhibition flyer.
Nobody thought that you should have a seatbelt or an harness.
This quote points out the lack of basic safety considerations in early aviation, which led to numerous fatalities.
Wilbur and Curtis continue to battle each other. The puncher stalking the boxer, Wilbur attempting to land a crushing body blow to a weakened opponent.
This metaphorical quote describes the intense legal struggle between Wilbur Wright and Glenn Curtiss, likening it to a boxing match.
Wilbur never seemed to grasp that his crusade to destroy his nemesis could destroy him as well.
This quote reflects on Wilbur Wright's inability to see the self-destructive path of his legal battles, ultimately contributing to his downfall.
By endurance, we conquer.
The Shackleton family motto, quoted here, encapsulates Glenn Curtiss' approach to overcoming obstacles and achieving success in aviation.