At first glance, authenticity and imitation clash hard.
You either copy someone, or you express your own core. Right?
I remember, as a white belt, how I tried on different jiu-jitsu styles from big-name trainers and champions. Animals learn by example, and in this game, man is the king of beasts.
"I don't believe you can really be authentic unless you can mimic very well," said Al Pacino, describing how he slipped into Tony Montana's skin in Scarface.
Ideally, those borrowed ways sharpen our gift like a diamond.
But it doesn't always go that way. Some people get so carried away with imitation that they lose themselves. They achieve success in society yet suffer twice —hollow inside, understood by no one.
Worse yet, as René Girard pointed out, people copy the desires of others. That’s how envy, hatred, and rivalry arise—ending in a crisis and violence against those who stand out and, above all, can’t defend themselves.
Imitation is both vital and deadly.
Schools and colleges skip this lesson. So each of us must wake up in time. Remember the heart of it:
What do I truly want? Who am I? What am I living for?
Yours sincerely,
-Alexander
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.
Stuck? Your business grows when you do. I’m your business therapist to guide your shift. See testimonials here. Ready? Book your Catalyst session.