Dwarfs Quote by Bernard of Chartres
![“We are like dwarfs [the moderns] sitting on the shoulders of giants [the ancients]. Our glance can thus take in more things and reach farther than theirs. It is not because our sight is sharper nor our height greater than theirs; it is that we are carried and elevated by the high stature of the…” quote by Bernard of Chartres](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8e3/bernard-of-chartres-86279_dwarfs_we-are-like-dwarfs-the-moderns-sitting-o_2905624.jpg)
“We are like dwarfs [the moderns] sitting on the shoulders of giants [the ancients]. Our glance can thus take in more things and reach farther than theirs. It is not because our sight is sharper nor our height greater than theirs; it is that we are carried and elevated by the high stature of the giants.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Medieval Scholasticism, 12th century
We build on past knowledge, extending insight beyond original limits.
In simple terms: Use past wisdom to see further.
Key Takeaway
Stand on giants’ shoulders.
Themes
knowledge
progress
humility
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
didactic
When to use this quote
- education
- research
- innovation
Key Concepts
intellectual heritage
collaborative growth
Questions to Reflect On
- What can we add beyond past ideas?
- How to honor giants without copying?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance can stifle original thought.
![“We [the Moderns] are like dwarves perched on the shoulders of giants [the Ancients], and thus we are able to see more and farther than the latter.” quote by Bernard of Chartres](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/182/bernard-of-chartres-86279_able_we-the-moderns-are-like-dwarves-perched_1740550.jpg)
