Stand on the Shoulders of Giants: Newton

Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen farther than others, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants.” This means that everyone learns from those who came before them. For example, Newton figured out gravity because he built on the work of great thinkers like Galileo and Kepler who studied the stars and planets.

Similarly, without important figures like Hippocrates, who studied how the human body works, and Edward Jenner, who created the first vaccine, our understanding of medicine would be very different. This shows us that no idea exists all by itself. Every new idea is based on what people have thought before. Just like a building needs a strong foundation to stand tall, our ideas grow from the successes of others. What we know today helps us imagine what we can learn in the future.

Here are five ways you can incorporate the idea of building on the knowledge of others into your life and reading schedule to help you achieve more:

1. Read About Great Thinkers: Set aside time each week to read biographies or books about influential scientists, thinkers, and leaders like Isaac Newton, Galileo, or Hippocrates. Understanding their journeys and ideas can inspire you and help you see how they built on the work of others.
2. Create a Learning Journal: Start a journal where you write down new ideas you encounter in your reading. Reflect on how these ideas connect to what you’ve learned in the past or how they relate to the work of famous figures. This practice helps reinforce your understanding and encourages deeper thinking.
3. Discuss with Others: Form a study group or book club with friends or classmates where you can discuss the ideas you’re reading about. Talking with others helps you see different perspectives and build on each other’s insights, just like scientists stand on each other’s shoulders.
4. Apply Ideas to Real Life: Choose one new idea from your readings each week to apply to your own life or schoolwork. For example, if you learn about a scientific concept, try a simple experiment related to it. Putting ideas into action makes them more meaningful and helps you learn better.
5. Set Reading Goals: Create a reading schedule that includes a mix of fiction and non-fiction books that cover different subjects. Aim to read a certain number of pages or chapters each day. Diversifying your reading material allows you to connect different ideas and see how they influence one another, expanding your knowledge base over time.

By incorporating these practices into your life, you’ll not only enhance your learning experience but also recognize the importance of building upon the knowledge of others as you strive for greater achievements.