If we see our contributions as brownian motion rather than preconceived trajectories, then, rather than focusing on the Gausses, Einsteins, Patons as providing singular progress, they become the the dominant least energy paths to what we recognize as truth. Without negating the individual’s contribution, the ones we see as truly important are the ones that supported by every other’s attempt, finds the path forward. This should provide hope, if we can leave aside our egos and focus on humanity, we can, and do, all contribute even though a few seems to get all the credit.

This also goes for AI, it may be an accelerant in research, but the probability distribution of reality is large, large enough for humans to wonder, ask questions and stumble upon a new path forward, that computers alone don’t find.