in reply to Knowledge

There was a great scientist - probably Einstein - who said about his "genius" (and I am paraphrasing loosely here): If I have seen further than others, it is only because I was standing on the shoulders of giants.

That is part of the "knowledge" tradition - what you discover, you share with others, so that all can make use and continue to further your own knowledge.

However, there is a great deal of difference between being knowledgable and a know-it-all. You very quickly learn who is worthwhile approaching for information - and it is not just the correctness of their response, but their willingness to share and raise you up to their level. Those with true knowledge seeks to raise other up to their level, those who pretend to know seek to pull all others down.

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Re (tilly) 2: Knowledge
by tilly (Archbishop) on Dec 22, 2000 at 07:37 UTC
    You ever-handy interface to google remembered Newton, and came up with the following essay that somewhat confirms that.

    Actually it says that the image was famously presented by Newton, but mentions that it is properly attributed to Bernard of Chartes in the 12'th century.

    I am glad I checked. :-)

[reply]
      I actually decided to do some research (hey- Friday afternoon before Christmas things are quiet) and found two similar quotes attributed to Sir Isaac Newton:
      If I have ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention, than to any other talent. Isaac Newton

      If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants. Isaac Newton

[reply]

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