Which sentence best expresses the meaning of the following aphorism?
"If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." -- Sir Isaac Newton
A) Progress is only possible by building upon the knowledge and achievements of those who came before us.
B) Visionaries surpass others by rejecting the wisdom of past generations.
C) Great achievements are solely the result of individual brilliance and effort.
D) Innovation comes from ignoring the contributions of those who have preceded us.
