QUOTE

“We are dwarfs on the shoulders of giants.”

--Bernard of Chartres,
circa 1130 CE

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“Reality is self-creating by definition… our impressions of it are what we use to build knowledge.”

“It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence.”

“Our knowledge is finite, while our ignorance is infinite.”

“I know that I am wise, because I know that I know nothing.”

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”

Related Categories: Epistemology, H3-Medieval

Mike's Takeaway:

This speaks to the power of cultural transmission. While animals teach their young, humans alone possess the transcendental intelligence to record, describe, and write down ideas. This ability allows knowledge to endure across generations, transcending time and space, building on past wisdom to shape our future.

Quote context: John of Salisbury was remembering what he used to say.

Source: John of Salisbury in his 1159 book “Metalogicon”

Current Reference: Used in chapter 1 of “30 Philosophers.”

Bernard of Chartres, a 12th-century French philosopher, coined the phrase “We are dwarfs on the shoulders of giants.” Recorded by John of Salisbury in 1159, it emphasizes the importance of building upon the discoveries and knowledge of those who came before us, allowing us to see further and achieve greater understanding.

This adage encapsulates the essence of human progress achieved through transcendental intelligence (TI). TI is our more advanced cultural transmission abilities to describe, record, and share ideas through language and writing. It allows for the accumulation of wisdom, innovation, and progress that transcends the mind. This unique form of human cultural transmission enables us to build upon the knowledge and discoveries of previous generations.

Unlike animals bound to instinctual learning, humans possess transcendental intelligence which allows us to stand on the intellectual shoulders of our predecessors. Through recorded ideas, we transcend the limitations of individual lifespans. This intellectual heritage is the cornerstone of civilization, enabling us to solve complex problems and explore the universe’s mysteries.

Analysis By Michael Alan Prestwood

01 Jan 2026

Published 2 years ago.

Updated 4 months ago.

Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher

Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.