The Michelangelos of this world are not to be imitated; it is too difficult, and too dangerous.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Great masterpieces should not be copied. Imitation is hard and can lead to failure.
- In plain terms
- Do not copy the masters too easily.
- What can you take from it?
- Copying genius risks disaster.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we study masters?
- Is imitation always bad?
Another view
It discourages learning through copying.
More from Philip Johnson
Philip Johnson on Frank Lloyd Wright - He's the greatest architect of the nineteenth century.
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