Two freight trains collided one day, and a young man named George was so struck by the tragic loss of property, that he became determined to prevent another such accident. The result was that George invented the air brake.
As he set out to demonstrate the superiority of his air brake over the then-used and dangerous hand brakes, he met with strong resistance. Most railroad executives took the attitude of Commodore Vanderbilt, who said after hearing George’s explanation, “Do you mean to tell me that you expect to stop a train with wind? I have no time to waste on…fools.”
George Westinghouse did not give up, however, even when his invention was rejected as being an “impossible idea.” Instead, he went on to invent a railroad “frog” –an invention that appealed to railroad officials. Over time, his happy customers agreed to give the air brake a try and to have it thoroughly tested in their railway operations. Taken together, Westinghouse’s system of railway signaling and the air brake did more to improve the safety record of trains than virtually any other invention for decades to come.
When I hear the word rejection, something in me reacts automatically. I mean check out this statement again
“Do you mean to tell me that you expect to stop a train with wind? I have no time to waste on…fools.” This statement coming from an expert, an authority or a mentor is enough to kill a dream. But the essence of these series is to let you know that no one is qualified to give a final verdict on your dream. No one.
I have said it here previously and I think it’s worth repeating. If you come up with something new and everyone acknowledges it without any criticism, then it’s a clear indication that you have to go back to drawing board. For how can everyone see the world from the same perspective? It’s not possible.
That you attracted such comments means you are doing something. Yours truly is not preaching the idea of anyone foolishly following an idea that is obviously not going to make any impact to its logical conclusion. Of course you should know when to draw the line. But the truth is that some will not see anything good from others. A reason why the man acclaimed to be the man of the century by
Time magazine Albert Einstein said, “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” Albert Einstein wouldn’t have made that comment without having a taste of it. Remember he was a scientist and so is likely to have had his own share of rejections.
Now dear reader, do you still believe that anything is impossible? Do you believe that you are capable of making a difference in this world? Yes you! If anybody can, it’s you. Just decide to start in your community. A difference made there will gradually spread across the globe. So start immediately without any further procrastination.
To our success!
-Uju Onyechere