13A – Reading Reflection No. 1

1. I’ve selected to read The Wright Brothers by David McCullough. Although these two are well recognized and popular, I have not delved deeply into their background story and life, thus I chose to read this book to better understand them. What surprised me most was how Wilbur became interested in “the art of flight” from a different individual, a German scientist Otto Lilienthal. What I least admire about these entrepreneurs was that they picked up this interest after Lilienthal’s death. It was very interesting to read that Wilbur became interested in aircraft after Lilienthal’s death and wanted to finish his work. However, what I admire most of these brothers is their tenacity. The book cites different passages that discourage the pursuit of flight by man. However, despite these deterrents, the brothers still pursued their goals.

2. Tenacity was a competency demonstrated by the Wright Brothers. I believe they displayed this trait from their commitment to forming aircraft despite criticism.

3. Because Wilbur caught interest in aircrafts when Orville was recovering from Typhoid, I am a little confused as to why Orville also became interested in aircraft.

4.
a. Why did bringing flight among men and women become a dream you had? What caused you to specifically figure this innovation?
b. How did you feel the moment you felt like your dream was being realized?

5. After reading the book, I believe that the brothers most likely think that hard work is effort placed into uncertainty. Even if the effort will result in failure, at least one can learn from all that effort. Although I have a different idea of what constitutes hard work, I do agree that learning from failure is one of the best ways to adapt and shoot for your goals again.