 However, Grotius is usually given the credit for shifting the paradigm fundamentally (see, e.g., Haakonssen 1985: 240 and Schneewind 1998: 78; for an opposing view, see Irwin 2008: 98). While it took time for his paradigm to become hegemonic, it did eventually prevail. When we say that so-and-so has the right to such-and-such, we usually mean that he has the means or power to do such-and-such: for example, the assertion that someone has the right to freedom of thought means that he has the ability to think as he pleases and no one or no thing can force him to do otherwise. This was Grotius’ view; though subsequently mediated by many others, his contribution was essential.