We are a compilation of what and who we know.
In today's microwave generation of internet and smart phones, with such a large amount of many different people out there, it is rare and special to find someone who has been truly inspired. Most people today are inspired purely by others thoughts, actions, or opinions. Not that I'm saying this is a bad thing, because, in my opinion, everyone should research and learn from anything and everything possible; this leads you to your own inspirations or ideas(refer to first line of blog). However, when you take someone else's idea whether it be a greeting, a logo, words, or a design and claim it for your own that is just downright plagiarism. It doesn't matter the reason, and even if noone ever noticed wouldn't you realize you are leeching someone else's creativity due to lack of your own?
"Look when I say 'don't think about elephants.' What's the first thing you think about?"
"Elephants?"
"Yes. But you know it isn't your idea. The subject's mind can always trace the genesis of an idea." -Inception
Inspiration:
a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions c : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions
2: the act of drawing in; specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs
3a : the quality or state of being inspired b : something that is inspired -a scheme that was pure inspiration-
4: an inspiring agent or influence
— in·spi·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
— in·spi·ra·tion·al·ly adverb
Nowhere in this definition (Defined by our highly intellectual friends Merriam & Webster) does it say to take an idea that you really like and claim it for yourself because nobody will notice.
Really, my objective is to inspire you to be truly inspired. Be a sponge take in everything you can from any and everything you do or come into contact with, however be true to yourself. A sponge is a sponge whether it soaks in liquids or not, it's form and appearance may slightly change, but a sponge is a sponge. Simply, my message is this...
INSPIRE AND BE INSPIRED
Either Way Be Yourself