"Quien entiende a Arquímedes y Apolonio admirará menos los logros de los hombres más destacados de tiempos posteriores."

The heart of the quote is pretty simple: if you truly grasp what Archimedes and Apollonius accomplished, you’ll be less impressed by what came after. These guys set such a high bar that everything else seems a bit less groundbreaking in comparison.

Let’s rewind a bit. Archimedes and Apollonius were ancient Greek mathematicians, living around the 3rd century BC. Archimedes is famous for his work on geometry, calculus, and even inventing machines like the Archimedes' screw. Apollonius, on the other hand, is known for his work on conic sections—think of ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas. They were basically the rock stars of ancient mathematics. So, when people in the later centuries made advancements that seemed huge at the time, those who truly understood Archimedes and Apollonius might’ve thought, “Hey, that’s cool, but these ancient guys had already laid the groundwork.”

Want a real-life example? Think about the invention of the steam engine in the 18th century. James Watt made significant improvements to it, revolutionizing the Industrial Revolution. Now, imagine if someone were to point out that the basic principles of steam power were already hinted at by Hero of Alexandria, another ancient Greek engineer, who lived a few centuries after Archimedes. If you knew about Hero’s earlier steam-powered inventions, Watt’s advancements might feel a bit less mind-blowing. Still impressive, for sure, but not entirely from scratch.

How can we apply this wisdom today? Next time you’re blown away by a new technological gadget or scientific discovery, dig a little deeper. Look into the history of that development. Chances are, you’ll find that it’s built on layers and layers of previous knowledge. Appreciating the giants on whose shoulders we stand can give you a richer understanding of modern advancements—and maybe even inspire you to reach further back when seeking innovative ideas.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend. They’re gushing over the latest smartphone and its incredible camera technology. You smile and nod, then casually mention how the first digital camera was invented in the 1970s, and even before that, people like George Eastman (the guy behind Kodak) revolutionized photography in the 19th century. Your friend’s enthusiasm might shift a bit—not necessarily diminish but become more nuanced. They’d start to see the smartphone as part of a long, fascinating continuum of innovation.

So, the next time you’re amazed by something new, take a moment to think about the history. Understanding the foundational work of people like Archimedes and Apollonius can deepen your appreciation for modern achievements. Plus, it makes you a hit at parties with all your fascinating tidbits of historical knowledge. Well, maybe not every party, but you get the idea.