The whole procedure [of shooting rockets into space]…
![“The whole procedure [of shooting rockets into space] . . . presents difficulties of so fundamental a nature, that we are forced to dismiss the notion as essentially impracticable, in spite of the author's insistent appeal to put aside prejudice and to recollect the supposed impossibility of…” quote by Richard van der Riet Woolley](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/fcd/richard-van-der-riet-woolley-1_accomplished_the-whole-procedure-of-shooting-rockets_271706.jpg)
“The whole procedure [of shooting rockets into space] . . . presents difficulties of so fundamental a nature, that we are forced to dismiss the notion as essentially impracticable, in spite of the author's insistent appeal to put aside prejudice and to recollect the supposed impossibility of heavier-than-air flight before it was actually accomplished. An analogy such as this may be misleading, and we believe it to be so in this case.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage warns that dismissing ambitious ideas as impossible can hinder progress, using historic flight as an analogy.
In simple terms: Don’t dismiss big ideas as impossible.
Key Takeaway
Challenge assumptions that seem impractical.
Themes
innovation
skepticism
progress
Mood
cautious
inspired
Type
Accomplished:0
Air:0
Analogies:1
Appeals:0
Aviation:0
Believe:0
Books:0
Cases:0
Difficulty:0
Flight:0
Fundamentals:0
Future:0
Impossibility:0
May:0
Mislead:0
Notion:0
Predictions:0
Prejudice:0
Procedures:0
Rockets:0
Shooting:0
Space:0
Spite:0
Whole:0
Supposed Impossibility:0
Analogy Misleading:0
Essentially Impracticable:0
Author Insistent:0
When to use this quote
- space exploration
- technology development
- policy making
Key Concepts
analogy
physics
history
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions limit your field?
- How can we balance caution with ambition?
A Different Perspective
Overly cautious attitudes may prevent breakthroughs.