When Newton said he has "seen further than others," it is a metaphorical expression rather than a literal one about vision. He meant that his scientific insights and discoveries were possible because he built upon the work of great scientists who came before him, standing "on the shoulders of giants"
. This phrase acknowledges that his understanding of the universe-such as the laws of gravity and motion-was made possible by the foundational knowledge established by earlier thinkers. Newton saw how the world functions through the laws of physics and mathematics, uncovering the underlying principles that govern natural phenomena. For example, he formulated the law of universal gravitation after observing an apple fall, which led him to understand the forces that govern planetary motion and objects on Earth
. His vision extended into many fields, including optics, calculus, and astronomy, revealing patterns and laws that others had not yet comprehended
. In summary, Newton "saw" the universe in a deeper, more comprehensive way by synthesizing prior knowledge and adding his own groundbreaking discoveries, thus advancing human understanding of nature
