George Henry Lewes: 'Originality is independence, not rebellion; it is sincerity, not antagonism.'

Originality is independence, not rebellion; it is sincerity, not antagonism.

In his thought-provoking quote, George Henry Lewes encapsulates the essence of originality as a quality rooted in independence and sincerity, as opposed to rebellion and antagonism. It highlights the importance of embracing one's individuality, while also emphasizing the need for genuineness and authenticity in the pursuit of originality. This quote reminds us that being original is not merely a quest for novelty or a desire to defy conventions; instead, it is an expression of our true selves and a reflection of our unique perspectives.Originality, according to Lewes, is independence. It is the ability to break free from the chains of conformity and to chart one's own path. Rather than blindly adhering to societal expectations and norms, originality encourages individuals to think for themselves, embrace their uniqueness, and explore their own ideas and convictions. It liberates us from the boundaries imposed by external influences and allows us to express our personal truths.However, Lewes also highlights that originality is not synonymous with rebellion. While rebellion may involve opposing established conventions in a confrontational manner, originality operates from a place of sincerity. It is not driven by a desire to simply challenge or antagonize existing ideas and structures, but to genuinely explore and express one's own authentic voice. It is about staying true to oneself while transcending societal expectations, rather than engaging in a combative reaction against them.To delve deeper into the concept of originality, it is fascinating to introduce the ancient philosophical concept of "anamnesis." Anamnesis, rooted in the work of Plato, suggests that our souls possess innate knowledge that we gradually forget as we enter the world and are influenced by external factors. It proposes that true learning and originality do not arise from acquiring new information but from recollecting the eternal truths that already reside within us.Just as Plato's anamnesis suggests that original knowledge lies within us, Lewes's quote implies that originality is a genuine expression of our inner selves. By tapping into our own unique perspectives and embracing our authentic experiences, we can create something truly original. It is a process of self-discovery and rediscovery, where we shed the layers of conformity and societal conditioning to reveal our true essence.In contrast to the concept of anamnesis, which focuses on the soul's inherent knowledge, Lewes's quote emphasizes the importance of sincerity. Originality, he suggests, is a genuine expression rather than a contrived persona. It is not about imitation or superficially adopting an unconventional persona for the sake of appearing original. Instead, originality requires sincerity—an honest and authentic engagement with our thoughts and emotions. It arises from a deep understanding of ourselves and a willingness to express our innermost ideas and convictions.In conclusion, George Henry Lewes's quote serves as a poignant reminder that originality is not merely a rebellion against the norms but a sincere expression of our independence. It encourages us to embrace our uniqueness, free ourselves from external influences, and delve into the depths of our authenticity. By comparing this concept to the philosophical idea of anamnesis, we gain a broader perspective on originality as a process of self-discovery and genuine expression. In a world where conformity often reigns, let us remember that our individuality holds the key to true originality, and that being sincere in our pursuit of uniqueness is what sets us apart.