"If you really do want to be an authentic, liberated individual, don't do any copying except of old masters. Otherwise, you're probably better off just staying at home."

The core idea of this quote is pretty straightforward: to be a truly unique and free individual, you should avoid copying others—except for learning from great old masters. Otherwise, you might as well not bother trying to stand out at all.

So, let's unpack that a bit. The idea here is to encourage originality and authenticity in whatever you do. It's about not just mimicking contemporary trends or people around you, but rather learning deeply from the foundational experts in any field. Think of it like this: if you're a painter, sure, study Picasso and Van Gogh, but don't just copy your friend's latest Instagram art. If you're a writer, dig into classics like Hemingway and Austen, not just the latest bestseller.

Historically speaking, this type of advice has been echoed through the ages. Back in the Renaissance, artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci spent years studying the works of ancient masters to understand their techniques. They didn’t just replicate what was trendy at their time; they absorbed the skills and principles from the past and used that knowledge to push the boundaries of their own work. It's the same with musicians who study Bach and Beethoven to master the fundamentals before creating their own unique compositions.

Now, let’s dive into a real-life example. Take Steve Jobs, for instance. He was known for his innovative thinking and unique approach to technology and design. But, if you look closely, Jobs was heavily influenced by the work of older masters. He studied the simplicity and elegance of Bauhaus design and the meticulous craftsmanship of Japanese Zen philosophy. He didn’t just copy what other tech companies were doing at the time. Instead, he drew inspiration from these deep wells of knowledge and integrated that into his groundbreaking products like the iPhone and MacBook.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, identify your field’s old masters. If you're into business, study the works of Peter Drucker or Warren Buffett. If you're into fashion, go back to Coco Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent. Dive deep into their work—not to copy them, but to understand their principles, their struggles, their innovations. Then, use that understanding to fuel your own unique path forward.

Imagine you're an aspiring chef. You could spend your time replicating the dishes of the latest trending foodie influencer. Or, you could immerse yourself in the techniques of culinary legends like Julia Child and Auguste Escoffier. By understanding their methods, their attention to detail, and their relentless pursuit of excellence, you’d be far better equipped to create your own signature dishes. You’d have a solid foundation to build upon, rather than just floating atop the latest fad.

Here's a relatable scenario to bring it home. Think about a student who's passionate about filmmaking. They could spend hours mimicking popular YouTube filmmakers, or they could delve into the works of pioneers like Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick. By understanding the storytelling techniques and cinematic innovations of these masters, the student would be much better prepared to craft their own unique voice in film. They'd be liberated from the constraints of current trends and equipped with the tools to truly innovate.

So next time you're tempted to just follow the crowd, pause and think about the old masters in your field. Learn from the best of the past to build a more authentic and liberated version of you.