July 9, 2008Quotations: Do you know who you’re imitating?
From our newsletter Outside the Lines
Smart folks thinking out loud about imitation
“The human is indissolubly linked with imitation: a human being only becomes human at all by imitating other human beings.”
-Theodor Adorno, German philosopher
“Imitation is the sincerest form of television.”
-Fred Allen, American comedian
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
-Confucius, Chinese philosopher
“Originality is nothing by judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed one from another.”
-Voltaire, French writer
“Imitation, if it is not forgery, is a fine thing. It stems from a generous impulse, and a realistic sense of what can and cannot be done.”
-James Fenton, British writer
“Art begins in imitation and ends in innovation.”
-Mason Cooley, American aphorist
“Imitation is at least 50% of the creative process.”
-Jamie Buckingham, British writer
“Nature is commonplace. Imitation is more interesting.”
-Gertrude Stein, American writer
