I have to reject the premise of needing “great men” to drive innovation. The people you mentioned built on the work of those before them and those that followed

I have to reject the premise of needing “great men” to drive innovation. The people you mentioned built on the work of those before them and those that followed built upon theirs. I think we should ask different questions such as how many great minds are not able to contribute to such endeavors simply for lack of opportunity? or what could we achieve if we didn’t spend such significant research brain power and money on war and conflict?