Academia is a Pyramid Scheme

by Asim Jalis

It's interesting that academia is essentially a pyramid scheme. 

You publish a paper, and share your ideas. As more people cite
your work your ideas become more valuable. As people cite the
people that cite you, their work gains credibility, which in turn
increases the credibility of your work. The people who originate
a new field sit on top of the pyramid.

Newton alludes to this pyramid when he says that he has stood on
the shoulders of giants.