Sometimes we feel so much pressure to be completely original, to invent something entirely new, or to solve every problem with nothing but our own raw intellect. It can feel incredibly lonely, as if we are standing in an empty field trying to build a tower from scratch. But Isaac Newton’s beautiful words remind us that none of us are truly alone in our achievements. To see further, we don't need to be giants ourselves; we simply need to find the strength to stand upon the wisdom, the struggles, and the successes of those who walked this path before us.
In our everyday lives, this concept shows up in the smallest, most meaningful ways. We see it when a student succeeds because of a teacher's patient guidance, or when a person finds the courage to start a new hobby because they watched a friend do it first. We are constantly surrounded by a hidden scaffolding of support. Every book we read, every piece of advice we take to heart, and every lesson learned from a parent's mistake acts as a stepping stone that lifts our perspective just a little bit higher than it was yesterday.
I remember a time when I felt completely overwhelmed by a new project, feeling like I was stumbling in the dark without any direction. I kept trying to force my own way, ignoring all the helpful resources and mentors around me. It wasn't until I stopped trying to be a solo hero and started looking at the maps drawn by others that the path became clear. By leaning into the expertise of those who had faced similar hurdles, I found that the view from the top was much more beautiful and much less frightening than I had imagined.
As you move through your week, I want to encourage you to look around and recognize the giants in your own life. Who has paved the way for you? Whose wisdom are you currently leaning on? Instead of feeling the weight of having to do it all alone, try to feel the warmth of the support beneath your feet. Take a moment today to reach out and thank someone who has helped lift you up, and remember that your progress is a beautiful continuation of a much larger story.