It Always Seems Impossible Until It's Done
And how overcoming the unthinkable serves as a catalyst for collective inspiration...
How often do we dismiss the seemingly impossible as an unattainable dream?
Yet, history consistently demonstrates that, through innovation, determination, and the indomitable will of the human spirit, the unimaginable can be achieved.
It always seems impossible until it's done.
This profound observation, often attributed to Nelson Mandela, makes us reflect on the extraordinary achievements that were once thought to be mere figments of imagination.
For most of human history, we relied on primal instincts for survival and procreation, navigating life without any form of technology. However, our intrinsic fascination with technological advancement is hardwired into our brains, and shifting priorities have driven innovations that allow us to explore new frontiers, both literal and metaphorical.
Think about this: we were once skeptic about space travel, and today we find ourselves contemplating the colonization of Mars as a crucial step for the survival of our species — turning what was once science fiction into a tangible priority.
As suggested by Keynes, “Ideas shape the course of history”.
One of the transformative ideas that undeniably altered the course of history is the conception and realization of the Florence Cathedral's Dome… and Filippo Brunelleschi is the man who managed to turn the impossible into reality, reshaping the landscape of architecture and inspiring others to conquer seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Brunelleschi’s Dome: The Impossible Task
After a hundred years of construction, Florence Cathedral still lacked its dome in the beginning of the 15th century.
The space that needed to be covered was immense, presenting an unprecedented challenge: constructing a dome nearly 150 feet in diameter, starting 180 feet above the ground, atop existing walls. It surpassed the scale of the ancient Pantheon's dome or any other dome in Europe.
In 1418 a competition was held to select the builder and, according to legend, Brunelleschi confidently claimed that he alone possessed the solution based on his studies of ancient dome creation methods. His proposal was a unique one — an octagonal double-shell dome, topped by a lantern, built without scaffolding.
The Overseers of Santa Maria del Fiore, skeptical of his claims, demanded to see his model, but Brunelleschi adamantly refused, fearing that other competitors would steal his idea. He then issued a challenge: the commission should go to the one who could make an egg stand on its end — a test to see who had the necessary skills.
After futile attempts by other architects, Brunelleschi took an egg and pressed its tip onto the tabletop, making it stand upright. When his competitors protested, claiming they could have done the same, he replied that, likewise, if they had seen his model, they could have built the Cathedral’s dome. Impressed by his ingenuity and confidence, the Overseers awarded him the commission.
Legend aside, Brunelleschi ultimately triumphed, and the rest is history. Through a series of groundbreaking technical advancements, he forever revolutionized the art of dome construction.
His innovative double-shell design resulted in a structure that possessed greater lightness and height compared to a solid dome of similar proportions. Additionally, he employed the rarely used technique of herringbone brickwork, which reinforced the dome’s stability and ensured its enduring strength — an innovation far ahead of its time.
Over 16 years, he raced against gravity, overcoming perplexities, criticisms and unparalleled challenges in architectural history. The completion of the dome marked a major milestone in Renaissance engineering, reflecting the era’s innovative prowess.
As Italian director Franco Zeffirelli once said:
When I feel depressed I return to Florence and look at Brunelleschi's dome: if the genius of man has reached such heights, I too must try to create, act, and live.
Overcoming the Impossible is a Catalyst for Collective Inspiration
Achievements of such extraordinary magnitude naturally inspire others to pursue greatness.
After the dome’s completion, doubts arose about Filippo’s ability to crown it with a lantern, leading to yet another competition. Construction of the lantern began shortly before his death in 1446 and was completed in 1461 by Brunelleschi’s close friend, Michelozzo. The copper ball, which was intended to be placed atop the lantern, was brought to life by sculptor Andrea del Verrocchio.
Adding a touch of wonder to this tale is the involvement of a young apprentice in Verrocchio’s workshop — none other than the legendary Leonardo da Vinci.
Fascinated by the ingenious machines Brunelleschi had designed, which Verrocchio used to hoist the ball, Leonardo meticulously sketched them in his notebooks. Though often mistakenly credited with inventing these devices, the experience profoundly shaped his later explorations of mechanics.
What we do know for certain is that Leonardo played a role in the seemingly impossible task of raising the massive hollow sphere to the top of the lantern cone.
Yet, the sheer magnificence of Brunelleschi’s dome ignited a profound sense of ambition, compelling those who followed to pursue the replication of his brilliance, no matter the obstacles.
In 1471, the ball gleamed in the sky “with great celebration and pleasure of the people,” as Vasari recounts, confirming that overcoming the impossible is a perpetual catalyst for collective inspiration and a testament to the unyielding strength of the human spirit.
These remarkable achievements remind us that the most extraordinary feats emerge from the courage to challenge the status quo and transform impossibilities into realities.
As we step into a new year, let these examples encourage us to question the notion of impossibility in our own lives. Let us dream boldly, break down barriers, and remember that it always seems impossible until it’s done.
Wishing all of you a year filled with limitless possibilities.
https://www.awesomebooks.com/book/9780712664806/brunelleschis-dome-the-story-of-the-great-cathedral/used?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAnKi8BhB0EiwA58DA4bOpBK_IuMD7yYNhLQn4hyLdpqBZ5vvow0xqL8HfGJrZIXBmyk7t2RoCq6oQAvD_BwE
Thank you for this most excellent post. One of my favourite books describes this incredible achievement- I also love the open dome and watching the rain fall in the Pantheon in Rome as another jaw dropping act of designer daring from the past.
I also believe the powerful self belief/ confidence is another must for greatness to be achieved. Without the confidence to fully embrace the idea, it would never have been realized. Self belief is imperative for success.