1.) What surprised me the most?
The one thing that really surprised me about the Wright Brothers is that they didn’t have any real formal education. They were obviously extremely intelligent, but all of my life I have believed that to be successful or “to make it,” one must attain at least a high school diploma, but usually a college degree.
What did I most admire?
Their dedication. The two brothers went against the many odds and problems to make the airplanes. After all, these brothers worked at a bicycle shop before dedicating everything to flight.
What did I least admire?
…
Did these entrepreneurs encounter failure or challenges? How did they react?
Yes. Besides the mechanical challenges that came from building the airplane, they originally faced challenges with trying to get people to purchase their products in the United States due to people doubting them. The way they worked around this is by setting up shop in Europe for a little.
2.) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited?
The entrepreneurs exhibited dedication, resilience, and perseverance.
3.) What part of the reading was confusing to me?
The part that confused me was that it was only when Wilbur was interviewed by the French aviation journalist, Francois Peyrey, that really gave the Wright Brothers a ton of credibility/publicity. However, it doesn’t make sense that only one journalist from a foreign country would give credibility the way it did.
4.) Two questions I would ask the Wright Brothers and why?
Do you consider the arguments that you had with each other beneficial or an obstacle to accomplishing your invention? I would ask this because I know that arguments could help the project or they could delay some processes. Sometimes, these could occur simultaneously.
Why didn’t you go back to school once you “made it?”
I would ask this because many people value higher education and the fact that they didn’t really pursue it after they became famous. Perhaps they knew that they were smart enough that they didn’t need a degree to qualify them.
5.) What do I think the entrepreneurs’ opinion on hard work was? Do I share that opinion?
The Wright brothers’ opinion on hard work was that hard work is essential for successful. These brothers are the epitome of hard work, dedication, and discipline. When they left Dayton for Kitty Hawk, the weather was awful. It was raining and storming, yet the two brothers didn’t hesitate to drill a 10 ft well in the ground and setting up camp. They persisted through everything until their deaths. I definitely share this opinion. I believe in doing what is necessary and right - no matter how difficult it is. With that being said, my work ethic is only a fraction of the two brothers’. It’s something that really inspires me to work hard.
Hello Matthew,
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that the Wright Brothers didn't have formal education! Similar to your perspective, I thought that a college degree was a necessity. Ironically, since I've become a college student I've recognized the difference between intelligence/knowledge and education. I am doing well in my educational journey, but honestly I don't know much about the outside world and it shows. Many times what we learn in education can either not apply to the real world, is outdated, or simplified for a class environment. People without formal education can definitely succeed in today's world, though it may take more effort.
Hi Matthew,
ReplyDeleteGreat that I came across another Wright-Brothers choice of read. it was really interesting to compare and contrast our analysis of the Wright brothers; the fact that they didn't bother with acquiring a diploma and being inspired by their undying perseverance. Also, really interesting that maybe without simple curiosity and the right muse, is pretty much how new things come to be.
Hi Matthew,
ReplyDeleteI didn't read the Wright brothers but I found your reflection interesting and it gave me some insight on the book. I think its really fascinating that they did not have formal education but were able to accomplish such a feat. I also did not know that they went to Europe for a period of time but it's admirable that they persevered and did not give up on their product.