Everything Everywhere Daily · Friday, October 2, 2026
A 1903 New York Times editorial dismissively reviewed Samuel Langley's attempt at flight, suggesting it would take '1 million to 10 million years' for a flying machine to truly fly. This prediction was quickly proven wrong, as the Wright brothers achieved powered flight just 69 days later.
“It might be assumed that the flying machine which will really fly might be evolved by the combined and continuous efforts of mathematicians and mechanicians in from 1 million to 10 million years.”
“No doubt the problem has attractions for those it interests, but to the ordinary man it would seem as if effort might be employed more profitably.”
“Just 69 days later, the Wright brothers conducted their first powered flight at Kitty Honk, North Carolina.”