Works become foundational by synthesizing perspectives rather than championing one theory

Evidence

Allport’s profound insights, which have had lasting impact on the field, represent the obvious reason. Allport defined the core issues that the field continues to explore, struggle with, and reconsider. But there are others reasons, including Allport’s inclusiveness and rich use of examples. Allport did not advocate a single pet theory of prejudice but chose instead to identify and illustrate a variety of perspectives, ranging from macro, or social-structural causes, to micro, or individual causes. He included provocative examples that, even when he chose not to interpret them in depth, could be used and exploited by others. In short, he was a synthetic and generous thinker. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 98

Categorization

• XREF: This mirrors the argumentation from ‘On Sacrifice’ and other works about how synthetic, example-rich foundational texts get mined by later theorists; also echoes the Milgrom note about institutions emerging where multiple mechanisms combine. — connects to: Artistic creativity is curation and synthesis, not inner depth — Mark Fisher (edited by Darren Ambrose), K-Punk: The Collected and Unpublished…, 1311
• SEED: An essay angle: what makes a foundational text? Synthetic generosity across perspectives rather than originality — could draw parallels across the social sciences.