Sir Isaac Newton's 17th-century quote, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants," emphasizes that progress in learning and discovery is built upon the collective knowledge and efforts of predecessors. Newton believed his own scientific advancements in physics were enabled by the foundational work of earlier thinkers like Kepler and Galileo. The quote serves as a reminder for students and professionals alike about the importance of collaboration, humility, and persistence in achieving new insights and expanding understanding.