Nothing is Original

It always bothered me when in high school lit classes teachers would dictate the interpretation of a book or a poem. "What makes them right?" I wondered. Wasn't there room for a different viewpoint, a difference of opinion?

Yet any time I expressed just that, a difference, my gradepoint average took a noticeable dip.

Hm.

Much older, wiser & feistier now, I would say to hell with the GPA and engage in some serious (but fun) debate. My instincts were right. Good authors, poets, artists, musicians all know that interpretation is in the mind of the beholder. Great art of any kind NEEDS to speak uniquely to each person. Some eventually distills to a common denominator, but always, always, there is room for difference. Until and unless we embrace this, we will lose the seminal understanding that there is strength in difference, in tolerance, and in openness. Any good and worthy idea, thought, plan, belief will stand the test of time -- and the test of questioning.

Do this in your business, your life, your relationships, and you will gain wisdom, understanding and a greater sense of humor. Guaranteed.

The art above is a good message to take in all you can in life, then add your unique spin & pass it on. But I would add that there is one big exception. YOU are an original.