Ability Quote by Lawrence Hargrave
“My objective is and has been for years to make the lightest and most compact flying machine that would carry me at 25 or 30 miles per hour for 10 minutes or a quarter of an hour. Current events show this is not at all an ambitious project. Want of an elementary knowledge of oil machines baulks me and causes much misdirected effort. I doubt my ability to acquire that knowledge, and feel like a fireman trying to hew out a donkey pump...”
About This Quote
Source Patent: Flying Machine Design, 1909
He aims to create a lightweight, compact aircraft for short, low‑speed flights, but lacks essential mechanical knowledge, causing frustration.
In simple terms: He wants a small aircraft but lacks know‑how.
Key Takeaway
Learn basic aerodynamics and engineering.
Themes
innovation
determination
engineering
Mood
determined
frustrated
Type
advice
reflective
When to use this quote
- DIY aircraft building
- engineering courses
- prototype testing
- collaborative design
Key Concepts
aerodynamics
lightweight structures
propulsion
project management
Questions to Reflect On
- What skills must you acquire first?
- Can you find a mentor to guide you?
A Different Perspective
Technical gaps may stall progress.
![“One: There is a low limit of weight [of about] 50 pounds beyond which it is impossible for an animal to fly. Two: The animal machine is far more effective than any we can hope to make. Three: The weight of any machine constructed for flying, including fuel and engineer, cannot be less than three…” quote by Joseph LeConte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/296/joseph-leconte-73855_animal_one-there-is-a-low-limit-of-weight-of-ab_585346.jpg)
![“The people of Sydney who can speak of my work [on flying-machine models] without a smile are very scarce; it is doubtless the same with American workers. I know that success is dead sure to come, and therefore do not waste time and words in trying to convince unbelievers.” quote by Lawrence Hargrave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ee8/lawrence-hargrave-31692_american-workers_the-people-of-sydney-who-can-speak-of-my_1179795.jpg)
