Creativity

I just finished reading: "Steal Like An Artist".  Strange name but it is based on the premise  found in Ecclesiastes 1:9  "There is nothing new under the sun."

One paragraph that I liked tells the story:

"Conan O'Brien has talked about how comedians try to emulate their heroes, fall short, and end up doing their own thing. Johnny Carson tried to be Jack Benny but ended up Johnny Carson. David Letterman tried to copy Johnny Carson but ended up David Letterman.  And Conan O'Brien tried to be David Letterman but ended up Conan O'Brien. In O'Brien's words,  "it is our failure to become or perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. "Thank Goodness."

Or as the late David Bowie said, "The only art I'll ever study is stuff that I an steal from."