#Collective Knowledge

Seeing Further by Standing on Giants' Shoulders

Isaac Newton’s remark, commonly quoted as “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants,” frames discovery as an act of humility rather than solitary genius. Instead of presenting his achievements as self-made, he credits the accumulated insight of earlier thinkers. This shift in emphasis matters because it turns scientific progress into a shared human project: one mind extends the reach of another, and the view widens over generations. Even when a person’s contribution is extraordinary, Newton suggests it is still anchored in prior foundations—methods, data, concepts, and hard-won mistakes. [...]

To Achieve Greatness, One Must Stand on the Shoulders of Giants - Isaac Newton

It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the collective progress of humanity. Each generation benefits from the accumulated knowledge of previous generations, pushing the boundaries further. [...]