This, of course, is an image of the Wright brothers’ first small flight. But notice how barren the scene is… notice the complete lack of a cheering crowd, or anything resembling it. This is just a couple of men on an abandoned beach.

The truth about the Wright’s great triumph is that almost no one noticed or cared. In fact, the first publication to mention it at all was a beekeeping magazine. This was a non-event as far as the world was concerned, and it remained so for quite a long time.

And it’s that way with most significant breakthroughs: They mainly happen in separation and silence, and stay unknown for quite some time.

While cheering may come some time later, great breakthroughs rest almost entirely on the person or persons making them. Creation is a mostly a solitary venture. Crowds don’t contribute to it.

* * * * *

So, before going back to the mundane, daydream a bit about creating some wonderful thing, but daydream about creating it alone, or perhaps with a partner or two. Leave the crowds out and imagine the discovery slowly and carefully.