How much originality does one have? A cousin and his wife in their younger years invented a language that could only be understood by them. As original as it might seem, it came from the concept of pillow talk, sharing something intimate between two people.
Have not all melodies been written? Have not all that needed to be said, said? Music is actively borrowed, modified and incorporated by composers of all disciplines. Painters are encouraged to imitate the styles and techniques of the great masters. “Innovation” might be the word to use in place of “originality” when it comes to new work.
Poetry competitions call for “original” poems by one author. After years of learning the English grammar, reading books, hearing and speaking the language, everything I think and write is influenced by something and someone. It makes me nervous to think that my poems might be original. I don’t think they qualify, but I send in some.
Image taken from Klementinum Library, Prague–Czech Republic.
