He Could Be Called "Alexander the Great"
2002 Boaz Rauchwerger
His name was Alexander. During his lifetime, he did much more than most people realize. Just like the fact that most of us are capable of doing much more with our lives.
He worked on methods to make fresh water from vapor in the air for people adrift at sea in open boats. For many years, Alexander directed breeding experiments in an attempt to develop a strain of sheep that would bear more than one lamb at a time.
His theory for locating icebergs was based on detecting echoes from them. Alexander perfected an electric probe that was used in surgery for several years before the X-ray was discovered.
Throughout his life he was interested in flying. He conducted many experiments with kites that were capable of lifting a person into the air. These experiments tested the lifting power of plane surfaces at slow speeds. He also experimented with heavier-than-air machines. In the process, Alexander pioneered discoveries in aeronautics.
He tested kites made of tetrahedral design – a lightweight structure that could support immense weight. Although intended initially for aviation, the design worked well for construction, too. New York's George Washington Bridge became the first major project to use Alexander's innovation.
He helped organize the Aerial Experiment Association, which worked to promote aviation. Alexander also contributed to the establishment of Science magazine and helped organize the National Geographic Society.
In 1910, he started work on hydrofoil design. At one point, he and his team set a world water-speed record: 70.86 miles per hour.
For him, it was all in the details. By blending a knack for an original idea with the work ethic to follow it through, Alexander made himself into one of the greatest inventors of the modern era.
He was born on March 3, 1847, in Edinburgh, Scotland. His mother was a portrait painter and an accomplished musician. His father taught deaf-mutes to speak and wrote textbooks in speech. He encouraged Alexander to think open-mindedly and to always ask questions. What if more parents did that on a regular basis with their children?
Alexander was a talented musician. He played piano by ear from infancy and received a musical education. Spurred by his supportive surroundings, he discovered the benefit of experiment. No matter the result, he found, he could learn constantly by experimenting.
When he was a teenager, he created with his brother a speaking machine using the voice box of a dead sheep. The machine uttered the word "Mama!" His theory was that there were no unsuccessful experiments. "If we stop," said Alexander, " it is we who are unsuccessful, not the experiments."
Therein lies the foundation to success in any endeavor in life. When we're faced with a big challenge, keep experimenting with possible solutions. Don't give up. Keep experimenting.
When his formal education ended at the age of 14, Alexander continued on his own by taking advantage of his grandfather's library. He memorized Shakespeare soliloquies and read as much as possible. Even later in life, he would keep up his efforts to learn, often reading encyclopedia articles after dinner.
I'm not suggesting you read as much as Alexander did. However, if you wish to become more confident, reading is a great way to get the right words. Even a page a day, every day, in Dale Carnegie's book "How to Win Friends and Influence People," can greatly improve your level of confidence by giving you the right words and the right thoughts.
Alexander stated it this way, "Self-education is a lifelong affair. There cannot be mental atrophy in any person who continues to seek answers for his unceasing hows and whys about things."
To Alexander, his own determination was his best ally. He had, what Napoleon Hill stated in the book "Think and Grow Rich," DEFINITENESS OF PURPOSE. He hung a simple slogan on his laboratory wall to motivate himself: "Keep on fighting." How much further could people go if they just kept on keeping on?
"Make me work," said Alexander, "at anything, it doesn't matter what…so that I may be accomplishing something." What a great attitude toward making every day count. There's a big difference between ‘just being busy' and doing something of value. Here's a simple question that leads to the productive use of time: What is the most valuable thing I could be doing right now?
In case you haven't already figured out who this very inspiring person was, you may want to make a call and ask someone. Once you pick up the receiver, perhaps that invention will ring a bell – Alexander Graham Bell.
A Daily Affirmation of Perseverance
I will keep on keeping on, no matter what. I have great determination!
Article reproduced with permission from Boaz Rauchwerger. You may reprint any of these articles in any publication or Web site so long as you credit Boaz Rauchwerger as the author and include this Web site address, www.Boazpower.com.