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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author playfully admits uncertainty about whether he discovered something new or simply stumbled onto an existing idea.
In plain terms
He isn't sure if he was original or just following something.
What can you take from it?
Self‑doubt can accompany creative moments.

Where it applies

  • brainstorming sessions
  • prototype testing

Putting it to work

  • record ideas promptly
  • seek feedback early

Questions to consider

  • How do you validate whether an insight is original?

Another view

Ambiguity can hinder confidence in one's contributions.

More from Larry Wall

  1. It's the Magic that counts.

    Permalink to quote #307
  2. (Presuming for the sake of argument that it's even *possible* to design better code in Perl than in C. :-)

    Permalink to quote #305
  3. May you do Good Magic with Perl.

    Permalink to quote #308

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