I Can Make It Happen!(1805b-45)

　　没有这些伟人的坚持与自信，就没有这些伟大的发明与创造。“我可以做到！”

I Can Make It Happen!

　　History is filled with tales of experts who were convinced that the ideas, plans, and projects of others could never be achieved. However, success came to those who said, “I can make it happen.”

　　Some Italian sculptors once worked on a large piece of marble, but to no avail. So, they said, “We can do nothing with it.” Michelangelo discovered the stone, and his “I-can-make-it-happen” attitude resulted in a masterpiece, David*.

　　The experts of Spain concluded that Columbus’s* plan to discover a shorter route to India was impossible. Queen Isabella (伊莎贝拉女皇) and King Ferdinand (裴迪南国王) ignored the experts. “I can make it happen,” Columbus persisted. And he did. Everyone thought the world was flat, but not Columbus, who sailed to “impossible” new lands.

　　Even the great Thomas Edison discouraged his friend, Henry Ford, from pursuing his fledgling idea of a motorcar. Ford remained committed. Although his first attempt resulted in a car without reverse gear, Henry Ford knew he could make it happen. And, of course, he did.

　　“Forget it,” the experts advised Madame Curie. They agreed radium was a scientifically impossible idea. However, Marie Curie insisted, “I can make it happen.”

　　Let’s not forget our friends Orville and Wilbur Wright*. Journalists, friends, specialists, and even their father laughed at the idea of an airplane. “What a silly way to spend money,” they said. “Sorry,” the Wright brothers responded. “We have a dream, and we can make it happen.” As a result, they built and flew the world’s first plane.

　　Finally, as you read these stories with the help of  lights, consider the contribution of Benjamin Franklin. He was warned to stop his foolish experimenting with lightning. What an absurdity and waste of time! Thank goodness Franklin knew he could make it happen. You too can make it happen!