Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

by Jeffery A. Keill, CFP, CIM, FMA, FCSI, CEA

In a 1675 letter from Isaac Newton, we get this popular expression: “if I have seen further (than others) it is by standing on the shoulder of giants”. Every success story, however one may define success, stands atop of giants. The giants are mentors - often gentle, quiet, and stoic. Knowingly or unknowingly, many of these Giants in our lives never know the impact they had on us or others. To me, that is a great shame. Left unglorified and unacknowledged, even though they rarely seek the spotlight. Their influence shapes careers, character, and confidence.

A mentor is more than just a teacher. They’re a guide, sounding board, and supporter. One in all or all in one. They share their experiences not to tell you what to do, but to help you make better decisions. A good mentor won’t give you all the answers - instead, they ask the right questions, thereby helping you uncover your own path. Often a shorter path. A safer path. They don’t stop you from failing, but rather teach you how to fail in order to succeed. From their shoulders, you gaze upon the land of possibilities and potential from the knowledge they share. Answers to trivial questions can come from online searches, but deeper, meaningful wisdom comes from their words and actions.

Personally, I stand on the shoulders of too many Giants to mention in a simple blog. Furthermore, writing them down here would do a disservice to those I can’t mention due to space, or the ones that I overlooked in the moment but yet had a dramatic impact on my life. I write this Blog because I just recently made a connection with one of my Giants’ daughters after learning my mentor had passed away. I had the opportunity to thank him years before his passing but speaking to his daughter has made me revisit the many Giants from where I see the horizon more clearly. This particular mentor was a high school teacher who although taught me Ancient History, provided my first insight into the world of money and investing. My teacher was far from an investment guru, but he was a giant in my life. I have been blessed with many others through family, sports, business, school, friends, and even those who I have simply met. I even have some mentors who I have never met, and never will, but they still inspire and impart their wisdom by their lives lived. They shaped my life, my convictions, my character, and my career. Giants make us want better.

Maybe it is time for everyone to look down and around them to see your own Giants on which your life now stands. Maybe we should take some time to simply acknowledge and thank each of them, if possible, for the influence they have had on our life. Wouldn’t it be nice to have this gift given to you?

Who was your Giant?

Last edit August 13, 2025