“The Country Parson” comic strip, by Frank A. Clark, from September 6, 1955, said:
“When everything seems to be goin’ against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”
The saying has become popular since the 1980s, almost always credited to the American auto maker Henry Ford (1863-1947). There is no evidence that Ford ever said it.
6 September 1955, Greensboro (NC) Record, “Country Parson” comic strip, pg. A2, col. 5:
“When everything seems to be goin’ against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”
Google Books
Go for it!:
How to win at love, work, and play
By Irene Kassorla
New York, NY: Delacorte Press
1984
Pg. 229:
When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. —Henry Ford
Google Books
The Quotable Billionaire:
Advice and Reflections from and for the Real, Former, Almost, and Wanna-Be SUper-Rich…and Others
Edited by Steven D. Price
New York, NY: Skyhorse Publishing
2009
Pg. 248:
When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. — Henry Ford
Google Books
The World of Business:
From Valuable Brands and Games Directors Play to Bailouts and Bad Boys
By The Economist
London: Profile Books Ltd.
2009
Pg. 103:
When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.
Henry Ford
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
•“I read old books because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“I study old buildings because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“Due to personal reasons, I’m still going to be fluffy this summer” (4/18)
•“Do not honk at me. My life is worthless. I will kill us both” (bumper sticker) (4/18)
•Entry in progress—BP16 (4/18)
More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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