The quote describes a scenario where an undulating wave moves across a calm body of water. As the wave rises and falls, it interacts with the air above it, pushing the air upward when its crest comes into contact with the surface and then allowing the air to settle back down as the wave's trough passes by.
On a deeper level, this quote can be seen as an allegory for change and movement in life. Just like how waves disturb the stillness of water and cause ripples in the atmosphere above them, significant events or changes in our lives often create disturbances that affect those around us. These disruptions can lead to new patterns of interaction and behavior, much like how a wave alters the air it touches, setting off a chain reaction of movement and change.
The quote is from Lawrence Hargrave, an Australian engineer, inventor, explorer, and aviation pioneer who lived during the late 19th century. He was known for his contributions to the development of powered flight, particularly through his work on kites and gliders. Hargrave's observations about waves moving across water were part of his broader scientific explorations into aerodynamics and fluid dynamics.
