Meaning: This quote refers to a pivotal moment in the history of business and innovation, where a young Fred Smith proposed the concept of a reliable overnight delivery service as part of a paper for his economics class at Yale University. The response he received from his professor was a crucial turning point in the development of what would eventually become the global logistics giant, FedEx.

The quote captures the essence of the initial skepticism and doubt that often accompanies groundbreaking ideas. It highlights the tension between creativity and feasibility, and the challenge of convincing others of the viability of a new concept. Despite the professor's initial reservations, Fred Smith persisted with his vision and went on to prove the feasibility of overnight delivery on a massive scale.

Fred Smith's paper proposing the overnight delivery service was met with skepticism, but it ultimately laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most successful and influential companies in the transportation and logistics industry. The concept of reliable overnight delivery was not only novel but also disruptive, challenging the existing paradigms of transportation and logistics at the time.

The professor's response, while initially discouraging, encapsulates a common theme in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. It emphasizes the importance of not just having a well-formed and interesting idea, but also the need to demonstrate its feasibility in order to achieve success. This sentiment is echoed in many entrepreneurial journeys, where the innovator faces the challenge of translating a visionary concept into a practical and sustainable reality.

The significance of this quote lies in its reflection of the early hurdles and skepticism that Fred Smith encountered in his pursuit of revolutionizing the delivery industry. It serves as a reminder that even the most groundbreaking ideas are often met with resistance and doubt, and that true innovation requires not only creativity and vision but also persistence and the ability to prove the feasibility of the concept.

Fred Smith's response to the professor's feedback was to take action and prove the feasibility of his idea. This determination led him to found Federal Express, known as FedEx, in 1971. The company pioneered the concept of overnight delivery and revolutionized the logistics industry by developing a sophisticated system for sorting and delivering packages overnight.

In conclusion, the quote captures a pivotal moment in the journey of Fred Smith and the founding of FedEx. It reflects the initial skepticism and doubt that often accompanies innovative ideas and emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the feasibility of a concept in order to achieve success. Fred Smith's perseverance and ability to prove the feasibility of his idea ultimately led to the creation of one of the most successful and transformative companies in the transportation and logistics industry.