It's the difference between learning what someone else did and learning new, previously undiscovered truths of the natural universe.
Intel 14nm chips are not products of the natural universe. Understanding them does not lead to undiscovered truths. You could get this understanding by going to work at Intel. Or asking the Intel engineers nicely. Or whatever.
It's like saying "I will be the first human to chart my neighborhoods roadways." These charts already exist. Why not chart something that doesn't exist, instead?
If you do not learn what others have learnt, you are likely going to end up reinventing the wheel or worse continue making mistakes that lead nowhere.
There is a reason academic papers have pages full of references.
Intel 14nm chips are not products of the natural universe. Understanding them does not lead to undiscovered truths. You could get this understanding by going to work at Intel. Or asking the Intel engineers nicely. Or whatever.
It's like saying "I will be the first human to chart my neighborhoods roadways." These charts already exist. Why not chart something that doesn't exist, instead?