Humans today are accustomed to benefiting from the modern conveniences we have at our disposal without thinking twice. Not to say that we’re not thankful – but it is important to recognize how lucky we are to live in such a time where more and more people are benefiting from modern conveniences that improve overall living conditions compared to 100, 50, and even 20 years ago. Technological advancements are beyond the average person’s comprehension; most of us don’t understand the workings of the gadgets we use on a regular basis.

Take for example, the contact lens. A moment ago I removed my contact lenses and slid my glasses over the bridge of my nose as an immediate replacement. Nothing strange – a daily routine for myself as well as the approximate 125 million other people in the world. The contact lens is just one of a million inventions that humans today are lucky enough to benefit from.

Would you have ever been able to fathom such an invention? Leonardo da Vinci created sketches of contact lenses back in 1508, but apparently it was another 300 years until the contact lens was actually fit into a human’s eye. Fast forward another 200 years and you have the modern disposable soft contact lens which can be fit within the same day of an appointment. Absolutely amazing.

The true spectacle is understanding how knowledge and information is passed down through generations of humans. One person is only able to accomplish so much as an individual. It’s the transition from one great mind to another that allows brilliance to take seed and grow. Leonardo da Vinci may have failed to create a functioning contact lens during his lifetime as one man, but his publications and records have inspired innovations beyond belief that we can all be thankful for.

It’s one thing to be brilliant – but you’re a special person if you can bridge your knowledge to transfer what you know to future generations for the advancement of mankind.