I’m a copycat, not a creator. Most of my writing stems from other people’s ideas. I’m not bothered by that, it’s all part of the process.
Ram Dass, a former Harvard psychologist turned spiritual leader, writes in Be Here Now, “My lecture notes were the ideas of other men, subtly presented, and my research was all within the Zeitgeist – all that which one was supposed to research about.” He played all of his cards right to be offered a position until death in Harvard’s psychology department, but he didn’t feel like the ideas he was spreading were his.
Ram Dass wrote this in 1971 at age 40. He proceeded to teach the world about his beliefs for 40+ years after writing Be Here Now. Even though he felt like the ideas he was teaching were solely created from him, he was contributing to his students by sharing the wisdom of others. When he wrote that quote in 1971, he had no idea there would be someone 50 years later quoting him as the original thinker.
I’ve always wondered how people develop their own style and voice that is unique to them. How do you get to a point where other people are referencing your thoughts and ideas? In some professions, the person’s actual voice is a driving factor of their voice. From Dave Chappelle to Joe Biden to Al Michaels, a stranger can hear their voice and recognize them.
Just having a voice that others recognize due to fame isn’t enough, the thoughts behind the voice are what carried the person to the top. Chappelle’s ability to make commentary and accurate observations on society is what took him to the top. That’s his true voice. Yes, I can recognize Ram Dass when he speaks, but would I be able to attribute something he writes to him?
I don’t have the eye for spotting a person through their writing alone. That is a talent that I assume is few and far between. Music sits in between the written and oral mediums. I’ve heard Rolling Stones songs for the first time and I’ve been able to identify them. They created a specific sound that others used as a building block for rock and roll music.
I’m under the belief that my voice will develop, it just takes time. I’ll be able to make unique observations and make connections others don’t immediately see or think. It takes practice. I can watch every second of Michael Phelps’s swimming career, but that only takes me so far. I could learn and take notes on his technique, but I eventually need to get into the pool in order to swim.
Some people have a knack for creation. I don’t fall into that camp. They are able to create in their own unique way from the start, but most people start by copying others. It was a refreshing reminder to learn Ram Dass published Be Here Now when he was 40 years old. He had 20 years of the working world just to realize he felt like he was copying others. The beautiful thing is he had another 40+ years to build on the foundation and to me, Ram Dass has turned into an originator that I pull from for inspiration. It’s a never-ending cycle starting as the student and becoming the teacher.
Peace and love.
Dope