“Originality is nothing but judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed one from another.”
- November 21, 1694 – May 30, 1778
- Born in France
- Philosopher, man of letters, historian
- Wrote many works, including “Philosophy of History,” “De Toleration,” “Philosophical Dictionary,” “Philosophical Letters,” “Oedipus,” and “Candide,” and is known as a pioneer of Enlightenment thought.
Quote
“Originality is nothing but judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed one from another.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Voltaire’s pragmatic view of creativity and originality, emphasizing that innovation often builds upon the ideas of others. He suggests that originality does not mean creating something entirely new but rather reinterpreting and combining existing concepts in a thoughtful and skillful way. For Voltaire, even the most celebrated writers and thinkers drew inspiration from their predecessors, transforming borrowed ideas into something uniquely their own.
In a modern context, this idea is particularly relevant in creative fields such as literature, art, and technology. Many groundbreaking works, from novels to inventions, are rooted in earlier ideas or influenced by established traditions. For instance, Shakespeare’s plays were often inspired by older stories, and today’s technological innovations frequently build on foundational discoveries from the past. Voltaire’s observation highlights the value of adaptation and improvement over the pursuit of absolute originality.
A specific example of this principle can be found in the world of music. Genres like hip-hop and electronic music thrive on sampling and remixing, where artists transform existing works into new, original creations. Voltaire’s quote reminds us that originality often lies not in creating something entirely new but in reimagining and refining what already exists.
