Stood On The Shoulders Of Giants Quote
Introduction
The phrase "Stood on the Shoulders of Giants" has become popular in modern times, but it has a long history that dates back to the 12th century. The phrase was coined by Bernard of Chartres, who was a French philosopher and theologian. He used the phrase to describe the importance of building upon the knowledge of those who came before us. In the centuries since, the phrase has been used by many great thinkers and leaders to emphasize the importance of learning from the past.
The Meaning of the Phrase
The phrase "Stood on the Shoulders of Giants" means that we are able to see further than our predecessors because we have benefited from their knowledge and wisdom. It is a metaphor that describes the importance of building upon the work of those who came before us. The phrase is often used in the context of scientific discoveries, but it can be applied to any field of study or endeavor.
Isaac Newton and the Phrase
Isaac Newton is often credited with popularizing the phrase "Stood on the Shoulders of Giants." In a letter to Robert Hooke in 1676, Newton wrote, "What Descartes did was a good step. You have added much several ways, and especially in taking the colors of thin plates into philosophical consideration. If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."
Newton was acknowledging the contributions of previous scientists, such as Galileo, Kepler, and Descartes, to his own work. He recognized that he was able to make his own discoveries because he had built upon the work of those who came before him.
The Importance of the Phrase Today
The phrase "Stood on the Shoulders of Giants" is as relevant today as it was in the past. In order to make progress in any field, we must learn from the work of those who came before us. This is true in science, technology, art, literature, and many other areas of study.
Even great thinkers and leaders like Albert Einstein understood the importance of building upon the work of others. In a letter to Robert Thornton Henderson in 1938, Einstein wrote, "I have also just completed a small paper on the relativistic theory of the non-symmetric field, which will soon be published. The main idea is that one builds a new theory by standing on the shoulders of giants, and not by starting from scratch."
Conclusion
The phrase "Stood on the Shoulders of Giants" reminds us that we are all a part of a larger tradition of learning and discovery. We are able to make progress because we have benefited from the knowledge and wisdom of those who came before us. By acknowledging the contributions of others and building upon their work, we are able to see further than our predecessors and make new discoveries that will benefit future generations.
