How does the author illustrate that Eads' recognition was somewhat automatic?

The author illustrates that Eads' recognition was somewhat automatic by highlighting his initiative in previous projects. This approach demonstrates that Eads consistently took charge of his work and displayed a proactive attitude, leading to successful outcomes that naturally garnered him attention and respect. His initiatives in earlier endeavors established a reputation and credibility that made it easier for him to receive accolades and recognition in subsequent projects, suggesting a pattern where his accomplishments spoke for themselves.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that may contribute to recognition but do not depict the automatic nature of that recognition as effectively. Public admiration and widespread media coverage can be influenced by external factors and might not reflect an inherent or automatic acknowledgment of Eads' abilities. Similarly, discussing how Eads capitalized on his failures indicates resilience and adaptability but doesn't inherently relate to the automatic recognition of his successes. Thus, his initiative stands out as the most direct link to the concept of automatic recognition.