Imitate, then Innovate: The Power of Learning from Others

Imitate, then Innovate: The Power of Learning from Others

In the world of creativity and innovation, there is a prevailing fear of imitation. Many creators are hesitant to imitate the styles and ideas of others, fearing that it will hinder their originality. However, David Perell argues that imitation and innovation are not opposed, but rather work in tandem. By imitating the work of others, we can discover our own unique style and ultimately innovate.

Creators, unlike consumers, consume art with intentionality. They study the work of others, not just to be entertained, but to learn from it. They develop a mental Pinterest board of ideas to borrow and build upon in their own work. In fact, some of the greatest inspiration comes from reverse-engineering other people's work. We shouldn't wait for inspiration to strike out of thin air; instead, we should trace and admire the work of those we admire.

The fear of plagiarism, instilled in us from our school days, has made us wary of imitation. However, throughout history, most learning happened through apprenticeships. True innovators, like da Vinci, observed and imitated the work of their mentors before producing their own masterpieces. By imitating, we are forced to think deeply about the decisions others have made, ultimately shaping our own creative process.

The transmission of technique and tacit knowledge has been lost in the modern era, where the focus is on ideas that can be easily transmitted through textbooks. However, the more difficult it is to put core knowledge into words, the more it should be developed through imitative learning. This notion aligns with Professor Nonaka's SECI model of knowledge creation, where socializing and externalizing ideas are essential steps in the learning process.

When it comes to developing writing skills, reading good writing is key. Even though the principles of effective writing may be hard to communicate, reading extensively hones our intuition for quality writing. Similarly, acquiring bodily skills through imitative learning, like those learned on YouTube, is more effective than trying to learn through textbooks. Dancing, for example, cannot be learned by simply reading about it.

Imitation not only helps us discover our creative personalities, but it also enhances our observation skills. Learning to see as a painter, for example, improves our ability to articulate as a writer. Both skills require a keen sense of observation and the ability to selectively withhold information. By imitating and observing the work of others, we can improve our own creative abilities.