This quote by Lord Kelvin is a reflection of the scientific understanding of the time. In 1895, when the quote was made, the idea of heavier-than-air flying machines was thought about impossible. This was because of the lack of understanding and innovation available to make such a feat possible. Lord Kelvin was a prominent physicist and mathematician, and his viewpoint was highly appreciated. His quote was a reflection of the clinical understanding of the time, and it was believed that the laws of physics would not permit heavier-than-air flying devices. This quote was a pointer of the restrictions of science at the time, and it was a suggestion that some things were thought about impossible. However, this quote was shown wrong in 1903 when the Wright brothers successfully flew the first heavier-than-air flying device. This was a significant advancement in air travel and it revealed that the difficult might be achieved with the ideal understanding and technology.
This quote is written / told by Lord Kelvin between June 26, 1824 and December 17, 1907. He/she was a famous Scientist from Ireland.
The author also have 6 other quotes.
"What is real is not the external form, but the essence of things... it is impossible for anyone to express anything essentially real by imitating its exterior surface"
"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair"