STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants."

Isaac Newton 1675

Though the above quote from Newton is fairly well known, the concept has been traced back to philosopher Bernard of Chartres in the twelfth century. But what exactly does it mean, and what has it got to do with NLP or Neuro-Semantics? The concept is fairly simple, that by building on the breakthroughs and knowledge of those who have gone before us, our understandings of the way the world works can grow exponentially. As a trainer, it could have several meanings, but I will choose some that stand out for me.

Firstly, it is about your honesty as a trainer. Recognising and crediting your sources is, to me, simply good practise. Being able to credit your sources carries the implication for your audience that you have a deep understanding of the roots of NLP, that you are well read, perhaps well connected, and are a competent professional.