Imitate, then Innovate: The Power of Learning from Others and Building upon Their Ideas

Imitate, then Innovate: The Power of Learning from Others and Building upon Their Ideas

In the quest for originality and innovation, many individuals often overlook the importance of imitation. However, imitating others can actually be a valuable tool for discovering our own unique style and creative voice. This concept is beautifully captured in David Perell's motto, "Imitate, then Innovate."

When we imitate others, whether it be in art, writing, or any other skill, we have the opportunity to learn from their successes and failures. As Conan O'Brien once said, "It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique." By imitating those who have come before us, we can gain insights into their creative processes and discover what resonates with us on a personal level.

One notable example of successful imitation leading to innovation is George Lucas' development of the Star Wars franchise. In order to align his story with classical motifs that have reverberated through human cultures, Lucas re-wrote his draft of Star Wars to align it with the work of Joseph Campbell. This imitative respect for Campbell's themes and ideas enhanced Lucas' artistic originality and contributed to the enduring success of the franchise.

However, there are common misconceptions and challenges associated with imitation. The first is a misunderstanding of inspiration. Some individuals fear that studying the work of others will taint their minds with influence and hinder their originality. But in reality, inspiration often comes from admiring and reverse-engineering the work of others. By standing on the shoulders of those who have come before us, we can reach new heights of creativity.

The second misconception is fetishizing originality. This tendency is often rooted in academia, where individuals study those who came before them to do something different. But true originality often arises when we focus on doing a good job or telling the truth, rather than striving to be different for the sake of it.

The third misconception is self-obsession. Our obsession with being original may stem from Freudian psychology, which emphasizes the individual's inner world. However, true originality often emerges when we step outside of ourselves and engage with the world around us.

The fear of plagiarism also plays a role in the aversion to imitation. While plagiarism is obviously unethical, mirroring the style or values of a writer we admire should be praised and promoted. There is a distinction between stealing someone's work without giving credit and drawing inspiration from others to develop our own unique voice.

The etymology of the word "imitate" is intriguing. During Shakespeare's time, the word "ape" meant both "primate" and "imitate." This suggests that imitation is inherent to our nature as human beings. By imitating others, we not only discover our own creative personalities but also tap into a rich tradition of artistic expression.

In our modern society, the emphasis on knowledge that can be codified in textbooks has led to a disproportionate focus on certain ideas and skills. The transmission of technique and tacit knowledge has been lost in translation. However, skills that are difficult to put into words are best developed through imitative learning. For example, reading a lot of good writing is one of the most effective ways to become a skilled writer. Even if the principles of effective writing are hard to communicate, reading hones our intuition for quality writing.

Imitation is not limited to imitating within a specific domain. Far imitations, or transferring ideas from one domain to another, can also be valuable. Sigmund Freud's groundbreaking work in psychology, for example, drew heavily from the ideas of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Both skills require keen observation and the ability to connect seemingly disparate ideas.

The concept of the Entertainment Value Curve sheds light on the success of mobile video apps like TikTok and the failure of others like Quibi. Successful mobile video apps are not just viewing experiences, but social experiences. The Entertainment Value Curve states that entertainment value is the result of production value and social value. On the Y-axis, social value represents the level of personal connection viewers have with the content. On the X-axis, production value represents the quality of the content relative to the highest quality in the genre.

Different platforms fall at different points on the Entertainment Value Curve. Snapchat, for example, prioritizes social value over production value. Their AR lenses allow anyone to create fun content, even with low production value. Instagram, on the other hand, has increased its entertainment value by lowering the production bar and making lower production value content readily accessible. TikTok takes this a step further by prioritizing topical content and emphasizing the connection between the audience and the creator.

Netflix, at the other end of the spectrum, focuses heavily on production value. Their shows have high production value, but the social value is primarily derived from the connection between the viewer and the creator.

Quibi's failure can be attributed to its failure to optimize for the Entertainment Value Curve. While it added format, length, and viewing constraints, it did not supplement those constraints with increased social value. Quibi mistakenly believed that short content was the desired feature, when in reality, people crave shareable and social content.

The success of TikTok lies in its understanding of the Entertainment Value Curve. TikTok's design promotes snackable media as social media. The platform breaks down the wall between the audience and the creator, allowing for a more engaging and shareable experience. The TikTok algorithm also gives new content a chance at virality, leveling the playing field for creators.

In conclusion, imitation is a powerful tool for innovation and creativity. By imitating others, we can learn from their successes and failures, discover our own unique style, and tap into a rich tradition of artistic expression. However, it's important to strike a balance between imitation and innovation. While imitation can provide a strong foundation, true innovation occurs when we take what we've learned and build upon it in new and unique ways.

Three actionable pieces of advice to incorporate into your creative journey:

1. Embrace imitation: Don't shy away from studying and imitating the work of others. By learning from those who have come before you, you can gain valuable insights and develop your own unique style.
2. Prioritize quality and clear communication: Instead of focusing solely on originality, strive for quality, beauty, and clear communication in your work. These qualities will resonate with your audience and contribute to the lasting impact of your creations.
3. Embrace social value: Understand the importance of social value in your creative endeavors. Focus on building connections with your audience, creating content that is shareable and sparks conversation. This will not only enhance the entertainment value of your work but also foster a sense of community around your creations.

By incorporating these principles into your creative process, you can imitate, then innovate to create meaningful and impactful work.