"If we worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true really is true, then there would be little hope for advance."

Orville and Wilbur Wright

Orville and Wilbur Wright invented the world's first successful airplane.  They made the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight, on December 17, 1903. In the two years afterward, the brothers developed their flying machine into the first practical fixed-wing aircraft.  The Wright brothers were the first to invent aircraft controls that made fixed-wing powered flight possible.

The brothers' fundamental breakthrough was their invention of three-axis control, which enabled the pilot to steer the aircraft effectively and to maintain its equilibrium. This method became standard and remains standard on fixed-wing aircraft of all kinds.  From the beginning of their aeronautical work, the Wright brothers focused on unlocking the secrets of control to conquer "the flying problem" rather than developing more powerful engines as some other experimenters did.

The MEAPA Way suggests that individuals, business, schools, communities and other organizations can learn a variety of lessons from this story by watching this video answering the following questions:

• What is most impressive about the Wright brothers' story?
  
• How did Rohwedder demonstrate the ability to accept and discuss new ideas?
  
• What traits or habits does one need in order to design a brand new invention?
• Do you agree with their statement "If we worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true really is true, then there would be little hope for advance?"  Explain.
• As you seek to further your personal and professional development, what lesson/s can you take from this story and apply it to your ability to rebound from failure, take calculated risk or practice self-improvement?