Why Striving For Humanity Makes More Sense Than Striving For Originality.

Jim Like my Mom would say, "It's the same old Shite no matter how you spin it unless you tripped over something while you were malinguering...and I doubt that seriously!" Bless you Jim for turning from the dark side. That way is easier but this, this fills you up instead of letting you down. Fletch Reply

Thanks for all the comments, everybody. In response, I think Gert Scholtz summed it up best. "Perhaps there are no really new ideas, only new combinations of existing ideas." If I had come up with that line, I would have stopped right there. Reply

"In other words, no matter how innovative, original or one-of-a-kind you think your ideas might be, they have in fact, already been done by someone, somewhere at some time". Possibly the best response to this comes from a musician, I believe Franz Liszt though I may well be misremembering. He was walking along a beach listening to the woes of a contemporary composer who was bewailing how difficult it was to succeed in the world of music as "All the good tunes have been discovered and used already" Liszt pointed to the water and said "Oh look, here comes the last wave". There is always a new idea or a new tune to be found. Just because I can't find it doesn't mean it's not out there and as you say, there is value in the search. Reply

Ah, harbor an honest heart, be humane and hem humanity for harmony! Reply

As per usual I've gone off on a tangent. I intended to add I agree with your post. When striving for Humanity it is better to look at what has and can work rather than "waste" time trying to find a completely new approach. Whatever you do someone will claim it's been done before. Often it's a case of why didn't I think of that. Thinking outside the box can mean you didn't rummage around inside the box for long enough. Reply

It's your birthday. 25 friends and relatives decide to send you a card. No original thought. 23 cards are different. Each sender has had an original thought as to which to send!! Two people send the same card. Not a original thought. Yet perhaps it is because each has written a different message inside. The same could be said of presents. Though these can be items you have asked for, rather than cards, which in many ways reflect the sender's rather than your choice. I just realised I have introduced the word choice into the piece. I'm going to think whethe there is a significant difference between original thought and original choice. Final point the important thing is not whose thought it is, but whether your use of the thought adds to, detracts from, or confirms its value. Reply

Jim Murray A superb read Jim. Good message and written as you do in such a flowing style. Perhaps there are no really new ideas, only new combinations of exisiting ideas. Reply

Very Interesting read Jim Murray I was taught, (actually pounded into me and my peers), by a Chef a long time ago that NOTHING that we do or think of is original; it's all been done before. He was referring to kitchens and recipes but it can be, and I have, extrapolated that concept to all facets of life and our creativity. Having said that I could discuss at great length the aspects of this "philosophy" but I think your title captures the message and conclusions brilliantly; "Why Striving For Humanity Makes More Sense Than Striving For Originality." Accepting the forwarded "philosophy" that you put forth here opens the door that allows us to pursue "humanity" without being demotivated. we are ALL still unique individuals with our own personal perspectives and contributing parts of the "continuum of thought" of "Humanity". It all comes down to a matter of perspective; doesn't it? Reply