Contemporary judgments about Ferdinand Count Zeppelin (1838-1917), whose death anniversary is commemorated for the hundredth time on March 8, 2017, range from "the dumbest of all South Germans" to "one of the greatest sons of the fatherland," "whose struggle for the mastery of the air... has made his name unforgettable all over the globe." However, history has long since rendered its verdict: today, Zeppelin is regarded worldwide as the undisputed "father of airship travel." In addition to favorable conditions in the German Empire, personal factors significantly contributed to Zeppelin's success. Notably, his military background and technical talent played a crucial role. Zeppelin's determination and persistence in continuously developing what he had once achieved were decisive moments of success, as the author notes.