Carrying Ballast c. 1910 - 1912

"Carrying Ballast" is a 1910-1912 political cartoon by Clifford Kennedy Berryman. It satirizes the Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville, depicted as carrying a heavy load of medals and trophies, which symbolize the weight of their fame and fortune. Uncle Sam, a personification of the United States, stands behind them and remarks, "Boys, if you can still ascend, you're the real things." Berryman's caricature highlights the challenging burden that comes with success and underscores the ongoing quest for innovation and achievement, even in the face of overwhelming recognition.