"本は、その人の独創的だと思っていた考えも、実はそれほど新しくないことを示すために役立ちます。"

Ever had a moment where you think you've stumbled upon something groundbreaking? Only to pick up a book and realize, someone else thought of it ages ago? That's the gist of it right there. Books have a funny way of showing us that our seemingly fresh ideas have been explored before.

This concept isn't new either. Mark Twain, a guy known for his wit and wisdom, is often credited with emphasizing how reading can be a humbling experience. It’s like when you’re at a party and tell a joke you think is hilarious, only to have someone else finish it because they’ve heard it before. That’s kind of what’s happening here. The thoughts we think are unique have usually been pondered by someone else.

Remember the dot-com bubble in the late 90s? Everyone thought they were on the cutting edge of something entirely new. The internet was a "wild west" of opportunity. But, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that the fundamental ideas of rapid innovation, speculative investment, and even information sharing harken back to previous eras, like the railroad expansion in the 19th century. The context is different, sure, but the core concepts are stunningly similar.

Take a look at Steve Jobs. He’s often hailed as a pioneer, and rightly so. But even he was influenced by the work of others. The graphical user interface of the Macintosh? He got that idea from a visit to Xerox PARC. It goes to show that even the most successful innovators build on the thoughts and ideas of those who came before them.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by reading more. Dive into books, articles, journals – anything that piques your interest. By doing so, you’ll gain a broader perspective and realize that many of the "novel" ideas you have are part of a much larger tapestry of human thought. And guess what? That’s not a bad thing! It means you’re tapping into a rich history of collective knowledge.

Now, picture yourself in a brainstorming session at work. You’ve got this "amazing" idea for a new project. Before you get too attached, think about researching it first. Check out industry reports, read case studies, or even consult older books in your field. You might find that your idea has been implemented before, in which case you can learn from past successes and failures to refine and perfect your concept. Imagine how much more impactful your final proposal will be!

Let’s take it personal. Think about a time you were convinced you had discovered something profound about life or love. Maybe you even wrote about it in a journal. Then, one day, you pick up a novel and the character is experiencing the exact same realization. It’s like a mirror reflecting your own thoughts back at you. Suddenly, you feel a little less alone in your journey and a bit more connected to the human experience.

In the end, recognizing that our thoughts aren’t always as original as we believe can be incredibly liberating. It connects us to the vast expanse of human wisdom and creativity and encourages us to stand on the shoulders of giants. So, next time you think you’ve struck gold with an idea, don’t be disheartened to find it in the pages of a book. Instead, see it as an affirmation – you're part of a continuum of thinkers and dreamers who’ve all contributed to the collective human experience. And that’s pretty awesome, don’t you think?