Why Are There No "Great" Scientists Anymore?

We have all thought about this at least once. While there were so many scientists in the past who signed their names under revolutionary discoveries, why don't such names emerge today, even though technology is at its peak? When we want to list the greatest mathematicians, why do so few modern people come to mind?

Actually, while this thought isn't entirely true, it does have a point. Modern scientists also make very important discoveries, but they do it as teams, not individuals anymore. Consequently, a "star" name that serves as direct publicity and stands out to people doesn't emerge.

Of course, that is not the only reason. Scientists working alone and finding important things still exist. However, their discoveries aren't concrete revolutions that directly concern the entire public like in the past. For example, when a mathematician finds a new theorem, the people who will use this theorem are again other scientists; the person on the street isn't even aware of it.

There is another detail we miss when looking at the past: The people we see as "great scientists" right now weren't held in such high regard in their own times. In fact, there were many names ostracized by society. Perhaps one of today's names will only be remembered as a "great scientist" years from now.

Even though I said at the beginning that "this perception isn't entirely true," there are concrete reasons why those old-style "giant" names don't emerge today:

1. Scientific Progress and "Low-Hanging Fruit"

Discoveries made in the past were "foundational" discoveries that laid the groundwork for science; that's why they looked revolutionary. Today, science is busy expanding the structure on top of this foundation. We can no longer make a "gravity discovery" like Newton, but we can conduct detailed research on what he discovered. Naturally, this doesn't look like such a "big" revolution from the outside. All the fruits on the lower branches of the science tree have been gathered; we are now trying to reach the difficult fruits at the top.

2. The End of the Era of Lonely Geniuses

As I mentioned at the start; major research is now conducted with huge budgets and crowded teams. The era of lonely geniuses locking themselves in a lab and changing the world is over.

3. Opposition to Creativity

Today, the academic system and funding processes force scientists to proceed through "safe" paths rather than producing creative and risky ideas. Instead of a crazy idea with no guaranteed result, guaranteed research that brings academic points is preferred.

4. We Exaggerate the Past Too Much

No one says this out loud, but it needs to be said: Einstein wasn't viewed as a "legend" by everyone while he was alive either. Many were lonely, ostracized, and misunderstood. Today, when we look at the past, we only see the winners. We forget the hundreds of names that faded away alongside them.

Conclusion: Would the System Allow It?

The most important thing we shouldn't forget is the system we are in. We must ask ourselves this question honestly:

If Newton lived today, what would happen?

Would his family and teachers, noticing his extraordinary intelligence, direct him to the field where he has talent; or would they fit the "market conditions" and direct him to the field where he would make the most money? Perhaps the new Newtons are among us, but we imprisoned them in corporate plazas or the wrong professions.