In any field of endeavor, it is impossible to make a significant contribution without first being strongly influenced by past achievements within that field.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.
Much has been made of Albert Einstein’s contributions to the field of physics. Although his work laid the foundation for numerous breakthroughs in scientific thought, it is highly unlikely that he would have made such significant impact without the work of the many scientists that came before him. Even Newton, who is often viewed as the founder of modern physics, was not the first to mathematically formulate the laws of motion and gravitation. Instead, his work was the culmination of the efforts of many mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers before him
Similarly, although Darwin was instrumental in formulating the Theory of Evolution, the numerous scientists before him had conducted extensive studies on various aspects of the natural world. Darwin himself had published numerous essays on the subject before publishing the theory of evolution. In fact, Darwin’s work was actually based on that of Alfred Russel Wallace, who formulated a theory of panspermia years before Darwin published his book on the subject. Darwin and Wallace’s theories, while similar, were not identical, and Darwin expressed sympathy for Wallace’s theory in later editions of his book. Therefore, Darwin’s theory did not become widely accepted until Darwin published it himself. Without the work of these earlier scientists, Darwin’s theory would not have been nearly as widely accepted as it is today
Similarly, in the literary world, it is impossible to invent an entirely new style of writing. The creative genius behind such works as The Lord of the Rings, 1984, and Pride and Prejudice was undoubtedly J. R. R. Tolkien, but Tolkien’s work would not have been so influential without William Shakespeare and Jane Austen. These authors not only established the basic structures for modern fantasy literature, but they were also instrumental in developing characters, story arcs, and other elements that have defined modern literature. The works of Tolkien and Austen, however, would not have had such an impact without the works of William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer. Furthermore, without the plays of William Shakespeare, Tolkien and Austen would not have been able to develop their literary styles
Similarly, in the realm of business, it is impossible to make a significant contribution without first being strongly influenced by past achievements within that field. While Bill Gates may not be widely known for his contributions to the field of computer programming, it is doubtful that he would have become the richest man in the world without the contributions of Steve Wozniak, who co-founded Apple Computer with Gates and Steve Jobs. Wozniak learned the ins and outs of computer programming from Jobs, who learned it from his parents, who learned from their parents, and so on. Without a lineage of computer programmers, who would then go on to influence the work of future computer programmers, it is unlikely that anyone, including Bill Gates, would have developed any programming skills. Similarly, without the work of other industrialists, such as Henry Ford and John D. Rockefeller, it is difficult to believe that anyone would have created such companies as Ford and Rockefeller. Therefore, while significant contributions cannot be made without the influence of previous achievements within a field, the contributions themselves can be significant.