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There may have been a time in which you have heard someone use the term standing on the shoulders of giants and wondered what they were referring to. We are going to find out the meaning of this phrase as well as looking at where it originally came from. We are also going to take a look at some examples of the phrase in use in both sentences and conversations.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- “Standing on the shoulders of giants” means achieving success by building on the knowledge and work of those who came before. It acknowledges that current accomplishments are possible because of past contributions.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants Meaning
“Standing on the shoulders of giants” is a metaphorical phrase that means making progress or achieving success by building on the work, discoveries, and achievements of those who came before. It suggests that one’s current accomplishments are possible thanks to the foundation laid by previous great thinkers, scientists, or innovators.
The phrase is often used to express humility and acknowledgment that individual success is part of a larger collective effort over time.
Origin of this Phrase
The phrase standing on the shoulders of giants originally came from Sir Isaac Newton, the famous physicist who coined the term when talking about his work and how those who had gone before him and paved the way with information for his own discoveries.
Usage of “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants”
The phrase “Standing on the shoulders of giants” is typically used in the following contexts:
Acknowledging past contributions in science or academia:
- Often used to express gratitude to earlier thinkers or innovators whose work made new discoveries possible.
- Example: “Our breakthrough in medicine would not have been possible without the research of previous scientists—we’re truly standing on the shoulders of giants.”
In professional or personal achievements:
- Used to recognize that success is built on the efforts of others, such as mentors or pioneers in a field.
- Example: “As a successful entrepreneur, I know I’m standing on the shoulders of giants who paved the way before me.”
In artistic or creative endeavors:
- To express how new art, literature, or music is influenced by earlier works.
- Example: “This novel draws inspiration from great literary classics—I’m standing on the shoulders of giants.”
Related Terms to “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants”
- Building on the foundations of others – Recognizing that current achievements are made possible by earlier work.
- Passing the torch – The act of passing knowledge or responsibility from one generation to the next.
- Pioneers paved the way – Refers to the idea that innovators or earlier generations have made it easier for others to follow.
- Legacy of innovation – Acknowledging the inheritance of great work that has allowed further progress.
- Following in the footsteps of – To follow or build on the path set by someone before.
- Standing on the foundation of – Similar to the original phrase, it recognizes earlier work as a base for further success.
Other Ways to Say the Idiom
There are other ways in which you can express the meaning of the term standing on the shoulders of giants. We are now going to take a look at some examples of other things you could say which means the same thing.
- Dwarves who stand on the shoulders of giants
- Being inspired by someone else
“Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” Examples
Examples in Statements
We are now going to take a look at some examples of the term standing on the shoulders of giants.
The first is a statement from a blog post.
- And so, I could not have completed this thesis without standing on the shoulders of giants, their work before me enabled me to come up with new ideas and concepts.
The second statement is being said by a teacher.
- In order to fully understand how the theory works, we must first stand on the shoulders of giants and gain their understanding.
Conversation Examples
You are likely to hear the term standing on the shoulders of giants in a variety of different contexts. Here are some examples of conversations in which it might be seen.
The first conversation is between a piano teacher and her student.
- Person 1; “I don’t think I will ever learn this music.”
- Person 2; “Don’t have that attitude, draw your inspiration from those who have gone before you, standing on the shoulders of giants will get you to where you need to be.”
The second conversation is happening between two friends who love science.
- Person 1; “Isaac Newton was such an inspiration.”
- Person 2; “Yes, he certainly made some amazing discoveries, especially in the time period in which he lived.”
- Person 1; “He was modest though, he attributed his own work to scientists who lived before he did.”
- Person 2; “He said it himself, he was standing on the shoulders of giants for his entire career.”
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