I just finished listening Audiobook "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek @simonsinek on Audible Apps. One of stories that inspired me was about The Wright Brothers vs. Samuel Pierpont Langley! Here are the stories:
This story illustrates the power of purpose (WHY) over ambition (WHAT).
Simon Sinek uses the contrast between the Wright Brothers and Samuel Pierpont Langley to show that success comes from a clear cause, not from fame or fortune.
Langley: Resources Without Purpose
Langley was a well-connected, well-funded academic with access to the best resources and brightest minds. He was driven by personal ambition—fame and wealth. His team worked for a paycheck, not a cause. When the Wright brothers succeeded first, Langley quit completely—because his goal was to be first, not to make flight possible.
The Wright Brothers: Purpose Before Profit
Orville and Wilbur Wright were unknown bicycle makers with no government funding or prestigious backing. They were driven by a deep belief that human flight could change the world. Their small team shared that belief and worked tirelessly through countless failures until they achieved powered flight on December 17, 1903.
The Turning Point
After the Wright brothers’ success, Langley abandoned his work instead of celebrating or improving upon their design. This moment clearly showed how different motivations lead to different results.
Key Takeaways
1. Start with WHY – The Wright brothers were driven by purpose; Langley was driven by personal gain.
2. People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it – The Wrights inspired belief, Langley inspired transactions.
3. Belief fuels persistence – Purpose kept the Wrights moving despite failures.
4. Success comes from purpose, not privilege – Resources mean little without a clear WHY.
“The Wright brothers were able to inspire those around them and truly lead their team to develop a technology that would change the world. Langley, in contrast, was in pursuit of the result, not the cause.”
Core Lesson
When you start with WHY, success follows naturally. Purpose drives innovation, resilience, and lasting impact — far beyond what money or status can achieve.
Clarity of WHY. Discipline of HOW. Consistency of WHAT.
