This quote emphasizes the importance of sharing ideas and the role it plays in the progression of society. It suggests that ideas should not be hoarded or kept secret, but shared and built upon by others. The thought process here is that when ideas are shared, they can be improved, expanded, or taken in new directions that the original thinker may not have considered. This is how progress is made, by the constant evolution and expansion of ideas.

The concept of building upon others’ ideas is not a new one. It’s the foundation of human progress. From the first wheel to the latest AI technology, every invention or innovation is built upon the ideas and knowledge of those that came before.

In today’s world, this idea is more relevant than ever. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, the sharing and building upon of ideas is essential. For instance, in the tech industry, open source software allows anyone to access, use, modify, and distribute the source code. This encourages a collaborative environment where programmers worldwide can build upon the software, fix bugs, add new features, thereby driving innovation and progress.

In terms of personal development, the quote encourages us to be open to the ideas of others and not be threatened if someone takes our idea and builds upon it. Instead, we should see it as a compliment and a sign of progress. It could also mean that we should be willing to share our ideas with others, invite feedback, and be open to different perspectives. This can lead to a more comprehensive understanding, new insights, and ultimately, personal growth.

In essence, the quote is about embracing collaboration, openness, and the continual evolution of ideas for progress. It’s a reminder that no idea is ever complete but can always be improved upon, and that progress is a collective effort.