Genius borrows nobly. When Shakespeare is charged with debts to his authors, Landor replies: 'Yet he was more original than his originals. He breathed upon dead bodies and brought them into life.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True genius builds upon the work of predecessors, revitalizing old ideas with new energy and originality.
- In plain terms
- Great creators borrow from past masters but add their own life to make it new.
- What can you take from it?
- Build on existing knowledge but add your unique perspective to create something original.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much of your work is inspired by others?
- Can you be original while standing on others' shoulders?
Another view
Over-reliance on past work can stifle true innovation.
More from Ralph Waldo Emerson
A great man quotes bravely, and will not draw on his invention when his memory serves him with a word just as good.
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