[BeetleB]

> Can't help but wonder what our knowledge here in 2025 would be like had we, as a species, tapped into our full potential by empowering women and people of color (to name just a few categories) earlier.

Can't speak for women, but we did tap into the potential of people of color. White race(s) getting ahead is a story of only the last few centuries, and they did benefit quite a bit from the work of "colored" races of the past.

Also, keep in mind that in that time period, plenty of "colored" races were independent, and capable of many of those advances. That they didn't achieve it should give you a clue that justice and equality overall play a very tiny role in these advancements. There are just so many other (random) factors that go into creating an Einstein that have nothing to do with treating people fairly.

As a random data point - my ancestors came from a society that did not value science and the accumulation of knowledge. It's why they were colonized, and also why that society continues to fare poorly today (long after the colonists left). Even today, amongst my relatives who live there, your are somewhat of a social outcast if you want to get deep into engineering/science. You're "supposed" to get that engineering degree to earn an income, and if you try to take it further (e.g. hobby), then you are "immature".

(Sorry for that tangent, but it's not a tangent).