In the Science and Faith column of the Catholic Peace Weekly, the scientist offers readers a reflection on the ways we are all connected, all entangled.
The Google Scholar website (scholar.google.co.kr) displays Isaac Newton's words: “Stand on the shoulders of giants to see a wider world.” This originates from Newton's 1676 letter to his rival scientist Robert Hooke, where he wrote, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” The source is the ancient Latin phrase “Nanos gigantum humeris insidentes” (dwarfs standing on the shoulders of giants).
The giants Newton referred to were Kepler, who mathematically explained the motion of the planets in the solar system based on Copernicus's heliocentric theory; Galileo, who laid the foundations of classical mechanics; and Descartes, who presented a mechanistic philosophy of nature. They were the giants who served as mentors to Newton in completing the scientific revolution.
In Nicolas Poussin's 17th-century French classical painting “Orion the Blind Seeking the Sun,” the dwarf Cadalius is perched on the shoulders of Orion, the giant hunter from Greek mythology. Cadalius climbs onto Orion's shoulders to see farther, seeking the rising sun alongside him. Newton likened himself to the dwarf Cadalius. Newton, one of the most outstanding scientists in human history, mathematically explained the principles of force and the motion of objects to describe natural phenomena. His scientific ideas profoundly influenced society as a whole, providing the decisive impetus for the Enlightenment era to begin in 18th-century Europe.
Modern Britons commemorate Newton by engraving the phrase ‘STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS’ on the edge of the two-pound coin.
The Catholic Church has its own great Doctors of the Church, no less significant than Newton. These include St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, St. Jerome, and St. Thomas Aquinas. This title is bestowed by the Catholic Church upon authors or preachers who possess profound knowledge, steadfast faith, and live holy lives. Currently, there are 33 Doctors of the Church. Their lives and faith are the shoulders of giants upon which we must stand.
Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1, composed during the late Romantic period of the 19th century, bears the subtitle ‘Titan’. Mahler was a Jew born into German culture who converted to Catholicism at age 37. Mahler's Symphony No. 1 ‘Titan’ is a work steeped in his extraordinary background and youthful experiences. Listening to this lengthy piece, over 50 minutes long, one comes to think that titans are not born, but made. In that music, the titan was Mahler himself. Like Newton, I must strive to stand on the shoulders of giants. And to become a giant myself, capable of offering my shoulders to others, my life must become more intense and sincere—a harmonious blend of secular existence and faith.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher." (Luke 6:39-40) Reflecting on these words, the columnist prays to stand on the shoulders of giants who are teachers, to live a life that sees farther and deeper. ‘Pray not for lighter burdens, but for stronger shoulders'.
 
