I am an enthusiast, but not a crank in the sense that I have some

In the pursuit of greatness, the ancients recognized a truth that resonates through the ages: true progress is not made in isolation, but through the wisdom of those who have come before, and the willingness to contribute to the ongoing work of future generations. Wilbur Wright, in his humble reflection, expresses this idea when he says, "I am an enthusiast, but not a crank in the sense that I have some pet theories as to the proper construction of a flying machine. I wish to avail myself of all that is already known and then, if possible, add my mite to help on the future worker who will attain final success." Here, Wright speaks of the balance between learning from past discoveries and the desire to contribute something meaningful to the collective effort of human progress. His words are a testament to the spirit of collaboration, humility, and courage that has always defined the pursuit of knowledge.

The ancients revered the idea of building upon the wisdom of those who came before. The Greeks, for instance, believed in the power of collective knowledge, recognizing that the great thinkers of their time were standing on the shoulders of giants. Plato, in his writings, often spoke of the importance of education and the exchange of ideas, emphasizing that no single philosopher, no matter how gifted, could reach the heights of wisdom without engaging with the knowledge that had already been established. Wilbur Wright’s approach mirrors this ancient view: he does not seek to reinvent the wheel or claim ownership of a single discovery, but rather to honor the work of others and add his contribution to the growing body of knowledge.

In the Renaissance, this spirit of building upon the work of others reached its zenith. Leonardo da Vinci, the master inventor and artist, spent his life studying the discoveries of his predecessors while contributing his own genius to the fields of engineering, anatomy, and flight. He famously filled countless notebooks with observations and ideas that spanned a multitude of disciplines, always learning and expanding upon the work of those who came before him. In much the same way, Wilbur Wright’s acknowledgment of the collective nature of invention speaks to this Renaissance ideal: that true innovation does not occur in a vacuum but is the result of collaboration across generations.

Yet, Wright’s humility is noteworthy. He speaks not of his own greatness, but of his desire to contribute to a larger effort, to aid those who will continue the work long after he is gone. This selfless approach mirrors the philosophy of Socrates, who, in his commitment to the pursuit of wisdom, often spoke of how his role was not to provide answers, but to provoke thought and spark the minds of others. Socrates saw himself as a midwife to the ideas of others, helping them bring their own understanding into the world. Wilbur Wright, in his own way, embraces this philosophy: he does not seek personal glory or recognition, but a shared and continuous journey toward progress.

The Roman engineers, too, understood the importance of building upon past knowledge. The Roman aqueducts, which brought water to their cities, were the result of centuries of work and innovation. The Roman engineers did not invent the concept of moving water across distances, but they perfected it, drawing on the knowledge of the Egyptians and Greeks. This process of improvement, of adding to the foundations of those who came before, is central to Wilbur Wright’s philosophy. His work on the flying machine was not an isolated effort, but one that was part of a much larger evolution of human endeavor—a continual process of refinement and learning from those who had laid the groundwork.

Wilbur Wright’s humility and vision present a lesson that transcends the realm of flight or technology. The lesson to be learned here is one of humility and shared effort. In a world that often celebrates individual achievement, Wright’s words remind us that progress is not made by those who seek to claim the spotlight, but by those who recognize the value of collaboration and continuity. Each person, in their own way, has a role to play in the ongoing journey of human advancement. Whether in science, art, or life, we are all contributors to a larger story that has been unfolding for millennia.

In practical terms, we must seek to be both learners and contributors. As Wright advises, we should avail ourselves of the knowledge already available and, if possible, add our mite to the great collective effort. This approach requires patience, humility, and the willingness to build upon the work of others. Whether in our careers, our communities, or our personal endeavors, we should strive to contribute in ways that advance the work of those who came before us, while recognizing that we, too, stand on the shoulders of giants. In this way, we ensure that the progress we make today becomes the foundation for the achievements of future generations. Let us live in the spirit of Wilbur Wright, adding our mite to the great work of humanity, always looking to the future with hope and determination.