Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: The Unsung Path to Innovation

Acknowledging the Giants

In a world obsessed with originality, the allure of being the first - of standing out as a lone genius - is tantalizing. Yet, the greatest breakthroughs often come not from the solitary thinker but from those who understand and build upon the monumental work of their predecessors. This idea, eloquently summarized by Sir Isaac Newton, reminds us: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

Newton: If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.

Newton's Humility

Imagine Newton, arguably one of the most brilliant minds in history, humbly acknowledging the contributions of those who came before him. Newton’s revelation about gravity, famously inspired by a falling apple, wasn’t conjured in a vacuum. It was the culmination of years of scientific inquiry, drawing on the insights of giants like Kepler, Galileo, and Descartes. Newton’s genius lay not just in his original thinking but in his ability to synthesize and expand upon existing knowledge.

The Metaphor Explained

Consider the metaphor of standing on the shoulders of giants. It’s an act of both humility and audacity. You’re acknowledging the immense contributions of those before you while daring to reach even higher. It’s a reminder that innovation is a collective endeavor, a relay race where each runner passes the baton of knowledge.

Shakespeare's Inspiration

Yet, the importance of building on past knowledge extends beyond science and technology. In the arts, we see it too. Shakespeare, the quintessential literary genius, drew heavily from classical sources and historical texts. His ability to weave old stories into new, captivating narratives is a testament to the power of standing on the shoulders of giants. (see however [2])

Embracing Past Knowledge

So, what does this mean for us today? In an era where the pressure to be original is immense, let’s not forget the value of the work that has come before us. Embrace the insights of those who have paved the way. Dive into the rich pool of existing knowledge and use it as a springboard for your own ideas. Recognize that originality and tradition are not mutually exclusive but are, in fact, symbiotic.

Seeing Further and Dreaming Bigger

Dreaming bigger 

By standing on the shoulders of giants, we gain a vantage point that allows us to see further and dream bigger. We honor the past, enrich the present, and pave the way for future giants to come. After all, in the grand tapestry of human knowledge, each thread, no matter how innovative, is intertwined with countless others.

Newton's Wisdom

So, the next time you embark on a new project or seek to solve a complex problem, remember Newton’s wisdom. Seek out the giants. Stand tall on their shoulders. And from that elevated view, strive to see further, dream bigger, and contribute your unique thread to the ever-growing tapestry of human understanding.

The Source

Here is the relevant except from a letter from Isaac Newton to Robert Hooke, dated Cambridge Feb. 5 1675 [1]:

At ye reading of your letter^) I was exceedingly well pleased & satisfied wth your generous freedom,  &  think you have done what becomes a true Philo­sophical spirit. There is nothing wch I desire to avoyde in matters of Philosophy more then contention, nor any kind of contention more then one in print:  & therefore I gladly embrace your proposal of a private correspondence. What's done before many witnesses is seldome wthout some further concern then that for truth: but what passes between friends in private usually deserves ye name of consultation rather then contest,  & so I hope it will prove between you &  me. Your animadversions will be therefore very welcome to me:  for though  I was formerly tired wth this subject, & have not yet nor I beleive ever shall  recover so much love for it as to delight in spending time about it; yet to have  at once in short ye strongest or most pertinent Objections that may be made,  I could really desire, & know no man better able to furnish me wth them then  your self  In this you will oblige me.  And if there be  any thing els in my  papers  in wch you  apprehend  I  have  assumed  too  much,  or not done you right, if you please to reserve your sentiments of it for a private letter, I hope you will find also that I am not so much in love wth philosophical productions but yt I can make them yeild to equity & friendship.  But, in ye meane time you  defer  too  much  to  my  ability  for  searching  into  this  subject.  What(S) Des-Cartes  did  was  a  good  step.  You  have  added  much  several  ways,  & especially in taking ye colours of thin plates into philosophical consideration. If I have seen further it is by standing on ye sholders of Giants. 

I modern English: In his letter to Robert Hooke, Isaac Newton expresses his appreciation for Hooke's open and generous approach. Newton emphasizes his dislike for public disputes in scientific matters and prefers private correspondence to avoid unnecessary conflicts. He welcomes Hooke's feedback and objections to his work, acknowledging Hooke's capability in providing valuable insights. Newton shows willingness to correct any mistakes or oversights in his papers if pointed out privately, prioritizing truth and friendship over pride in his scientific achievements. He praises the contributions of Descartes and Hooke, and famously remarks that his own accomplishments are built upon the work of great predecessors.

References:

[1]  The Correspondence of Isaac Newton, Volume 1, H. W. Thurnbull (ed.), Cambridge University Press 1959

[2] ChatGPT supplies (on inquiry) the following information:

"The strongest evidence cited by those who believe William Shakespeare was not the author of "Hamlet" and other works attributed to him generally falls into several categories:

Shakespeare's Limited Education:

Critics argue that Shakespeare's limited formal education, having only attended the local grammar school in Stratford-upon-Avon, would not have provided him with the extensive knowledge of classical literature, languages, and courtly life evident in his works.

Lack of Manuscripts:

No original manuscripts of Shakespeare's plays or poems in his handwriting have been found, which some see as suspicious given the volume of work he produced.

Baconian Theory:

This theory suggests that Sir Francis Bacon, a well-educated philosopher, statesman, and writer, was the true author of Shakespeare's works. Proponents point to perceived similarities in the writing styles and the use of knowledge Bacon possessed that Shakespeare supposedly did not.

Oxfordian Theory:

Another popular theory proposes Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, as the true author. Supporters argue that de Vere's education, travels, and courtly experience align more closely with the content of the plays. They also point to de Vere's use of a pseudonym due to his noble status.

Authorship Question:

The general authorship question raises doubts based on the lack of detailed biographical information about Shakespeare's life, particularly during his supposed writing years. Some argue that other writers, who left more detailed records of their lives and works, might be better candidates."

P.S. Here is a strange story of AI and censorship, prompted by my above post 

The Lament of a Digital Bard: Shakespeare Silenced by Woke Censorship

Kandinsky AI has no problems with Shakespeare: