Voltaire: 'Originality is nothing but judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed one from another.'

Originality is nothing but judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed one from another.

In this blog article, we will delve into the thought-provoking quote by Voltaire: 'Originality is nothing but judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed one from another.' At first glance, this quote suggests that originality is not solely a product of independently unique ideas but rather a carefully crafted combination of imitating and borrowing from the ideas of others. Voltaire proposes that even the most original writers draw inspiration from those who came before them. This perspective prompts us to question the conventional notion of creativity and challenges us to explore unexpected philosophical concepts.The quote by Voltaire encapsulates the idea that originality is not necessarily born out of a vacuum but is influenced by existing knowledge and works. It implies that true originality is achieved through a judicious selection and synthesis of ideas, rather than attempting to create something completely new. This interpretation is significant as it emphasizes the interconnectedness of ideas and the continuous exchange of thoughts across time.However, to add an element of intrigue, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept: the theory of collective consciousness. This theory suggests that there exists a shared pool of knowledge and consciousness in which individuals tap into, allowing for the development and evolution of ideas. From this perspective, the notion of originality becomes even more complex. Instead of viewing imitation as mere replication, it can be seen as an act of tapping into the collective consciousness and contributing to its growth.In comparing and contrasting Voltaire's quote with the theory of collective consciousness, we can see that they both touch upon the idea that originality is influenced by external sources. However, while Voltaire's quote focuses on the borrowing and imitation of existing ideas from one another, the theory of collective consciousness suggests that individuals draw from a collective pool of knowledge beyond their immediate peers.Voltaire's perspective highlights the importance of studying and learning from the works of others to enhance one's own creativity. It encourages aspiring writers to explore and gather knowledge from various sources, allowing them to build upon existing ideas and contribute a unique viewpoint to the collective discourse.On the other hand, the theory of collective consciousness introduces a deeper level of interconnectedness and suggests that the act of imitation is not merely a superficial replication but rather an intricate process of tapping into the collective stream of consciousness. It implies that creativity is an ongoing dialogue between individuals and the collective, with each contributing to the growth and evolution of ideas.In conclusion, Voltaire's quote prompts us to reconsider our understanding of originality and emphasizes the importance of judiciously imitating and borrowing from the ideas of others. When viewed through the lens of the theory of collective consciousness, volitional imitation becomes a means of tapping into a shared pool of knowledge and contributing to the ongoing development of creativity. Ultimately, this quote and the concept of collective consciousness challenge us to reassess our notions of originality, encouraging a more open and interconnected approach to creativity.