Beyond Imitation: The Quest for True Authenticity

by: Dr. Laurence C. Mascay

The Collins Dictionary defines "original" as “something that existed at the beginning of a process or activity, or the characteristics that something had when it began or was made,” while "originality" means “the quality of being original” or “the capacity to think independently or be inventive.” Jim Jarmusch, who has an extensive history of original work across many mediums as a film director, screenwriter, actor, producer, and composer, argued, however, that “nothing is original” and “originality is non-existent;” instead, authenticity is. Austin Kleon adds, “What a good artist understands is that nothing comes from nowhere. All creative work builds on what came before. Nothing is completely original.” Nonetheless, this does not mean that we cannot create and accomplish something remarkable. On the contrary, we can, and we will, as we put into practice our God-given innovative skills and creativity. 

The Scripture states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” To create is to make something out of nothing; in Latin, it is ex nihilo, meaning "out of nothing." God was never created, and He is the only one who can create; therefore, He is the only true original. On the other hand, human work or “creation” is the application and outcome of the talents, skills, and knowledge God has bestowed upon us. It is also a reflection of the ingenuity of the Giver and Originator - God Himself. The apostle Paul says, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” 
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While “nothing is original,” this does not mean we should not acknowledge the work of others. We must do so, as failure to give proper credit could put us in jeopardy. For instance, we must recognize the source or author of a quotation or story when citing it, acknowledge the inspiration behind our work, and be authentic by not infringing on someone’s ideas. Moreover, Clive Staples Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, says, “No man who values originality will ever be original. But try to tell the truth as you see it, try to do any bit of work as well as it can be done for the work’s sake, and what men call originality will come unsought.”