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.

The world of technology often looks to the world of science fiction for inspiration. Innovations like the iPad and FaceTime were born from concepts in science fiction literature and film. By looking beyond our immediate surroundings and diversifying our inputs, we can improve who we choose to imitate. An escape from the never-ending now and a deeper understanding of history can lead to more innovative ideas.

In the realm of education, the Learning Pyramid model suggests that teaching others is one of the most effective methods of learning and retention. While lectures are often seen as a passive form of learning, actively participating, discussing, and teaching others leads to greater understanding and recall. Peer tutoring and study groups provide opportunities for peer-to-peer teaching, which solidifies comprehension and mastery of concepts.

In conclusion, imitation is not something to be feared, but rather embraced. By imitating the work of others, we can discover our own unique style and innovate. Learning from the past and from the work of others is essential for growth and creativity. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to incorporate into your creative journey:

• 1. Immerse yourself in the work of those you admire. Study their techniques, decisions, and thought processes. By imitating and reverse-engineering their work, you can develop your own unique style.

• 2. Embrace imitative learning. Don't be afraid to imitate and learn from others, especially when it comes to skills that are difficult to put into words. Apprenticeships and peer-to-peer teaching can be invaluable in the learning process.

• 3. Diversify your inputs and escape the never-ending now. Look beyond your industry and explore history. By broadening your knowledge and understanding, you will be able to imitate and innovate in more meaningful ways.

In the end, originality should serve a higher purpose. It is through quality, beauty, and clear communication that we create something of substance. So, let us learn from the past and from each other, for it is through imitation that true innovation is born.