Brilliance Depends on Tools

The brilliance of historical figures like Isaac Newton raises questions about the importance of tools and resources in achieving greatness. Without the intellectual scaffolding provided by their writing or innovative breakthroughs, the essence of their brilliance may diminish. This prompts consideration of the existence of intellectually capable individuals in earlier societies, suggesting that while potential may have always existed, the lack of societal progress and tools limited their ability to achieve recognized greatness.