Wright Brothers (Orville & Wilbur)

First powered flight

Modern influential 146 sayings

Sayings by Wright Brothers (Orville & Wilbur)

We have not been able to do much with the machine on account of the bad weather.

1903 — Orville Wright, letter to his father
Controversial Unverifiable

The machine was kept in the air for 59 seconds and traveled 852 feet.

1903 — Orville Wright, telegram to his father, describing the first flight
Controversial Unverifiable

We worked together and we thought together.

1930s (approx.) — Orville Wright, reflecting on their collaboration
Controversial Unverifiable

If birds can glide for long periods of time, then why can't we?

1899 (approx.) — Wilbur Wright, early reflections on flight
Controversial Confirmed

The machine is a success and we are well pleased with it.

1904 — Wilbur Wright, letter to Octave Chanute
Controversial Unverifiable

The air, like the sea, is an untamed element.

1902 — Wilbur Wright, 'Some Aeronautical Experiments'
Controversial Unverifiable

We are trying to arrange a demonstration in Europe.

1906 — Wilbur Wright, letter to Octave Chanute
Controversial Unverifiable

It is not necessary to be a genius to be an inventor.

Early 20th century — Attributed to Orville Wright, often quoted in biographies
Controversial Unverifiable

The difficulties of the problem are so great that few have dared to attack it.

1902 — Wilbur Wright, 'Some Aeronautical Experiments'
Controversial Unverifiable

The age of the flying machine is at hand.

1902 — Wilbur Wright, 'Some Aeronautical Experiments'
Controversial Unverifiable

We have been able to keep the machine in the air for longer periods than ever before.

1904 — Orville Wright, letter to his sister Katharine
Controversial Unverifiable

The machine is now quite stable in the air and can be controlled with ease.

1904 — Wilbur Wright, letter to Octave Chanute
Controversial Unverifiable

We have not yet fully solved the problem of balance in high winds.

1904 — Orville Wright, letter to Octave Chanute
Controversial Unverifiable

We have hopes of making a flight of considerable length before long.

1904 — Wilbur Wright, letter to Octave Chanute
Controversial Unverifiable

We have had considerable difficulty in getting the engine to work properly.

1903 — Orville Wright, letter to his father
Controversial Unverifiable

The machine is practically ready for its public demonstration.

1908 — Wilbur Wright, letter to Octave Chanute
Controversial Unverifiable

The machine is under perfect control and can be turned in any direction at will.

1905 — Wilbur Wright, letter to Octave Chanute
Controversial Unverifiable

We have been making flights at an altitude of about 50 feet.

1905 — Orville Wright, letter to his sister Katharine
Controversial Unverifiable

The machine is capable of carrying a passenger.

1908 — Wilbur Wright, letter to Octave Chanute
Controversial Unverifiable

We have been making daily flights, and the machine is working perfectly.

1908 — Orville Wright, letter to his sister Katharine
Controversial Unverifiable