What if they are wrong?

Question

What are the benefits of reading others books/discoveries? Isn’t it better to look at things and discover them with your own insights, because your way could be more beneficial then the scientists of today? Isn’t this what past scientists like Newton, Einstein, and Benjamin Franklin did when they created their discoveries, or did they read others discoveries first? What if the past scientists are wrong and think you could do a lot better? This is just a thought. Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

Perhaps Laziness?

Answer 2

Your own insights are often wrong, and it isn't likely you're as smart as Newton. It also took him a heck of a long time to develop the calculus that you can now learn in a high school course. It would be completely impractical to go about re-inventing the wheel at every opportunities. So it's best to learn what you can by "standing on the shoulders of giants," while keeping in mind that they, too, are imperfect.