To build a bridge.

Knowledge resource 786 views 8 replies

The Brooklyn Bridge that spans the river tying Manhattan Island to Brooklyn is truly a miracle bridge. In 1863, a creative engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea for this spectacular bridge. However, bridge-building experts throughout the world told him to forget it; it could not be done.

Roebling convinced his son, Washington, who was a young upand coming engineer, that the bridge could be built. The two of them developed the concepts of how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome. With un harnessed excitement and inspiration, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge.

The project was only a few months under construction when a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling and severely injured his son, Washington. Washington was left with permanent brain damage and was unable to talk or walk. Everyone felt that the project would have to be scrapped since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built.

Even though Washington was unable to move or talk, his mind was as sharp as ever, and he still had a burning desire to complete the bridge. An idea hit him as he lay in his hospital bed, and he developed a code for communication. All he could move was one finger, so he touched the arm of his wife with that finger, tapping out the code to communicate to her what to tell the engineers who were building the bridge. For thirteen years, Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger until the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge was finally completed.

Replies (8)

Charu Srivastava

Company Secretary

4210 Points Joined July 2010

thanks for sharing..

Vandana Mulchandani

Finance Manager

9227 Points Joined August 2007

Thank you Piyush for the beautiful story with a great message.....NEVER GIVE UP.....KEEP SHARING

Sourav Banerjee MA,MSW

Shabda Bramha

8842 Points Joined July 2011

I was really non-plussed when I first read about the story of the man who made the Brooklyn Bridge. It's so insipirational for anyone who is going through real hardships that life has thrown on his/her path. The story is a must-read for others too, because we never know when a need will arise and we'll be compelled to look for real-life inspiration.

This is my version of sharing, Dear Piyush. But there is one confusion - when was the Bridge built, in 1863 or 1883? You confirm, dear GK Expert of CCI.

/forum/must-read-the-brooklyn-bridge-story-173450.asp

PIYUSH SINGH

student

2471 Points Joined February 2008

Hello Sourav ji Bridge was completed in 1883.

CA PARAS BAFNA

Practising CA

33428 Points Joined April 2009

Mr. Sourav & Piyush,

A Story of Determination and Realizing Your Dream.

AS AND WHEN ....WHERE EVER ...BY WHOM EVER WILL BE published

IT WILL BE READ......FOR EVER.

IT IS A HIGHLY INSPIRATIONAL STORY.

EVENTHOUGH WE ARE NOT ENGINEERS ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF BUILDING BRIDGES.

YET OUR CA/CS/CMA STUDENTS OFTEN REQUIRE TO BRIDGE WITH THEIR STUDIES, & TRAINING KEEPING IN VIEW THE GLOOMY TARGET.

Such inspirational talks makes the task simpler.

***

The purpose or moral of the story is not hidden. What I discovered through this forum is - " how the art of building bridges can be applied ".

I am really inspired with the "non-claiming" featured member.

Knowing 1863 or 1883 ...is not of much importance for him, but the keenness and the interest shown by him is a "live" illustration dealing with

"how bridges can be built ?"

I really appreciate the spirit of Mr. Banerjee.

I tell Sourav - Bane rahoji - CAClub ke " "Da" Featured Member."

100rav is given 100 out of 100.

Thanks

Ca Paras Bafna.

Sourav Banerjee MA,MSW

Shabda Bramha

8842 Points Joined July 2011

I feel so lucky to have your blessings, Paras Sir. Please accept my sincere most gratitude for your presence.

Guest

Came to know about the great story hidden behind brooklynbridge, when saurabh da posted this, I was amazed when I read it first time, now also, felt same, really this bridge is standing on the great engineer's willpower, and more than that, her wife's support for all those years is really amazing, hatsoff to the beautifuli couple, Thanks for sharingPiyush, this one is worth reading again and again