When someone challenges existing paradigms, it’s all to easy to scoff. My favourite paradigm smasher was Columbus.Β Prior to his epic adventure, everyone knew the world was flat – what else could it be?Β Now the world is round – what else could it be?
A more recent example of paradigm smashing was profiled in this wonderful article in Wired.Β It’s the story of the invention of a craft that was presumed to be impossible:
Since Cavallaro first proposed Blackbirdβs design on the Internet, his concept has been ridiculed and lampooned in blogs and forums, and the idea has even been refuted in a national magazine. The debate recently reached a fever pitch among a certain type of geek, especially in Silicon Valley, so much so that some notable entrepreneurs, including Googleβs Larry Page, forked over the cash to let Cavallaro finally build the vehicle. After four years of online arguments, explanations, and insults, Cavallaro has brought his vision hereβto the Dirt Cupβto prove he can beat the wind.