"If I see further, it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants. If I see farther, it's a giant standing on Ye's shoulder. ) "(Xinzhen, I 1676)

This sentence is one of Newton's most well-known quotations in the Chinese-speaking world, almost as charming as the romantic story about apple trees, but compared with the latter, this sentence has a more stable historical support. But in fact, this sentence was not originally written by Newton.

This sentence in "Letter to Hook" is often used to express Newton's open mind now, but this sentence has been said by many people in his previous time and environment.

At least, as early as the12nd century, beernaert of chartres once said the Greek version of this sentence, and the Latin version of this text is "nos se quasinanos gigantium humer is insidientes."

It can still be found in the windows of chartres's magnificent Gothic Cathedral. After Bernard, at least twenty or thirty celebrities have said similar things.

Extended data:

Newton's personality and temper were very special, and he was famous for haggling and arguing in the social circle at that time. These social attributes, which may be bad for mediocre people, can better reflect Newton's extraordinary great charm. Because only those who are persistent in the pursuit of truth and are not afraid of slander have the courage not to compromise on boredom, hypocrisy and so-called social emotional etiquette.

This profoundly embodies Newton's excellent attitude of seeking truth from facts and his noble character of upholding truth and not fearing power. These qualities close to God can hardly be found in other great scientists, but Newton, the giant closest to God, is like the brightest star, shining in the sky forever.