Shoulders of Giants for ios download2/16/2024 ![]() ![]() Prior to that century, authors previously had used marginal notes and glosses for additional commentary ( Conners 1998). The 100 years after Newton penned these words would see the development of a system that would shape academic writing through the present day: the footnote citation system. So why do we now most often associate the phrase with Newton? One reason might be that in the next century, it would come to reflect the Zeitgeist of the time. Th e idea of dwarfs standing on giants is one that goes back to at least the twelfth century (Merton 1993). By building upon their findings he was able to make a scientific breakthrough, even if he only considered himself to be a mere dwarf. It’s a humble acknowledgement of the importance of the discoverers who came before him. He writes, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants ”.* Its most well-known formulation comes from a letter Isaac Newton wrote to one of his peers in 167 5 regarding the discoveries about color that he had recently published. This ability to use the work or findings of others to make your own contributions to knowledge is what’s behind the concept of “ standing on the shoulders of giants ”. ![]() Despite feeling inadequate, they persevered and eventually carved out their own space in academia because they were able to build upon the work of their mentors. Like you, they started out by looking up to the giants in their fiel d. When you feel this way, it’s helpful to know that many of the most brilliant minds in your field have experienced this same type of imposter syndrome. How did they know all of that? And could I ever be that knowledgeable or insightful, too? It seemed unlikely at the time. ![]() During my college years, I remember that I often felt intimidated by the depth and breadth of information and theories my literature professors were able to cite ad hoc during their lectures. R each great heights by building upon the achievements of othersĪs a student, you may often feel daunted by your professors. ![]()
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