“You’re only as original as the world around you.” (G.K)
“Nothing is ever said, which has not been said before.” (Terence 195- 159 BC after being accused of borrowing from Greek dramatist Menander.)
Are you original?
Take a moment. Re-read that to yourself. You may think you’re original, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned about the society we live in today it’s this, every thought or feeling you’ve probably had has been thought a million times over somewhere. From the Great lakes of Canada to the desserts of Mongolia, since the dawn of time itself.
Ever dreamt of an idea that you felt was great and wanted to act on, only to find some other windbag beat you to the punch line? (I have). Catch my drift?
Anyway, back to the main point of this outburst.
Take a look at the fitness industry, for example. There are numerous training programs out there. Each one takes from another and changes and tweaks the concepts to suit their own need calling it “our version.” They’re not genuinely inventing anything new, just molding and shaping something that’s already in existence and adding their own mark to it.
The legendary Bruce Lee studied and explored many martial art forms. He took what worked well for him personally, discarding the rest and adding his own mark to it.
“Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own.” (Bruce Lee)
“Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it.” (Bruce Lee)
You travel by plane when you want to visit another country. Ever stopped and asked yourself where did the genius(s) who invented this great flying machine get the idea? Let me give you a clue. What in nature flies and has feathers? (If you didn’t guess, it’s a bird. No, not the one wearing the skirt!!).
Still with me, haven’t lost you yet?
You probably have role models/individuals you look up to. Successful people who achieved something worthy of respect and attention. You try to emulate their success, don’t you? Look at that word “emulate.” Study it. What does it actually mean?
When you break it down, you’ll realise it’s just another way of saying copy. Somewhere along the line some genius thought, “the word copy sounds too rough and rugged, lets replace it with a nicer, flowery way of saying it. Lets call it emulate.”
When you say, “I’m emulating so and so”, it means you’re copying their success and trying to apply it to your own desires.
Be real and admit it!!
The only real “originality” is that you’re applying their strategy to something else and adding your own creative spin to it.
So you see, no person on this planet is 100% completely original. If they say they are, they’re lying to you. (That’s right, lying).
PONDER THIS….. ORIGINALITY?
I believe only the 5 elements are original in their true form.
Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Aether.
What do you think?
Still think you’re original?
KNOWLEDGE and WISDOM
Intelligently put. A lot of thought and wisdom has clearly been put into this article. It’s got me thinking and others will do the same I’m sure. Great work, look forward to your future releases.
Good to hear from you bud. To add to the article, if you’re thinking of a thought (positive) that you think is original. (Meaning no one has already come up with it). Act on it today, not tomorrow. Don’t wait for the grass to grow.
Great article as always brother, after reading your post I remember my favorite quote from T.S Eliot “Great mind steal, inferior one borrows”.
Always a pleasure to hear from you brother. Thumbs up for adding the wonderful quote. The man was brilliant with his ideas and thinking. You never cease to amaze.
Wonderful article it’s got me pondering. Superb quotes. This article is definitely a winner in my book. Looking forward to your next article. Thank you.
Amazing stuff buddy. Always good to hear. These comments really get me pumped. If you loved this article, you’ll love the next one.
lone wolf is waiting hungrily to chew on the next article. Grrrr….houl
Love that attitude buddy. Excellent.
Guru Nanak says, “In the beginning for eons there was truth, there is truth now and for evermore, there shall be truth.” Nobody ever can lay claim to discover truth.
Don’t all religions claim that their brand is the the true path compared to others? Ponder this.
Excellent point. Your input is appreciated. Stay sharp.
To true. I actually stole your idea of a video page. What a great way to provide 3rd party information! Keep up the good work.
It’s all about spreading the wealth chum. Like Bruce Lee said “Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it.” Keep up the great work with your site.