Imitation: not the sincerest form of flattery

May 2, 2014

Just_Be_Yourself_Be_You_by_Shadowtuga

Ignore that saying about the “sincerest form of flattery.”  Imitation is, simply, IMITATION.

Copying someone else.

How could that be a good thing?copycat

Imitating is copying.

What they do.

What they say.

How they act.

What they wear.

Even their art and design.

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Imitation is a sign of laziness.

That person is too lazy to be the original they are.

Even teens get it:

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Don’t imitate, innovate.

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Only use two Ns when you do, ok?

unique-quotes-about-yourself2

20 comments on “Imitation: not the sincerest form of flattery
  1. Sheryl says:

    Yes, out- and- out imitation shows a lack of originality. Yet, I like to think we all model ourselves after lots of people and create our own individual versions.

  2. I always told my children “Be a leader not a follower”. Great article as always Carol1

  3. Karen @BakingInATornado says:

    I agree, and I think it’s all about levels of confidence. When we’re younger many of us want to fit in and blend in. But hopefully with maturity comes some level of confidence to explore and become who we want to be.

  4. As usual, I find myself nodding when I read your work. Although I do subscribe to the philosophy of “Stealing Genius”. The wheel doesn’t always have to be re-invented.

  5. Great post! Relax and just be yourself, in all of your weird wonderfulness. Right??

    • admin says:

      Yes because your own brand of weird wonderfulness always looks better than trying to adopt someone else’s!

  6. Karen says:

    We’re social animals, and I think we’re constantly looking at one another for cues as to how to behave, dress, feel…and yet, it’s important that from all the influences around us, we distill something original, that reflects our unique self. I feel sorry for those who are unable to do this, as it seems to signal a lack of personal wholeness.

  7. LOVE this and a great message for teens! I remember trying so hard to fit in when I was younger. Now I’m totally content to just do my own thing, and if people think I’m weird….so what. I’ve learned to embrace my weirdness! 🙂

  8. Damn but it is hard risking originality. Every original thinker that hits the mainstream had to face numerous naysayers and self-doubt on the road to success. And I think it is even worse for women who can’t even seem to risk peeing alone without community support.

  9. Traci says:

    I do not know whether it’s just me or if everybody else encountering issues with your blog.
    It seems like some of the written text on your content are running off the screen.
    Can somebody else please comment and let me know if this is happening
    to them as well? This may be a problem with my internet
    browser because I’ve had this happen previously.

    Cheers

  10. Helene Cohen Bludman says:

    So true. Embrace your uniqueness and run with it. Give yourself permission to let the real you emerge!

  11. Jay Lickus says:

    Bloggers don’t imitate…….we steal.
    Now that’s pure flattery !!!

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