On Originality

Cultivating our character is a growth process.

The 'fake it until you make it' approach often involves pretending to be someone we are not.

However, the conscious emulation of role models can actually change us on the inside.

We do not become Plato by learning Greek or writing in a certain style.

We do not become Christ by making tables or speaking Aramaic.

We must keep in mind that it is the interior spirit that we seek to replicate, not the external trappings of someone else's life.

While we seek to become like those we respect, we do not want to become carbon copies.

We are each blessed with a unique individuality, we must embrace this and infuse ourselves with the character traits we desire.

In fact, until we begin doing this, we are not truly being original.

That is one of the beautiful paradoxes of life:

When we strive to be ordinary, we become extraordinary.