"独創性は、独創的でない心がその使い方を感じることができない唯一のものである。"

Originality is a unique trait. It’s the kind of thing that makes you stand out in a crowd, the spark that brings new ideas into the world. But the funny thing is, not everyone gets it. People who aren’t original themselves often don’t see the point of fresh ideas. They’re stuck in their ways, content to follow the status quo.

Think about it—when was this said? The quote is attributed to John Stuart Mill, a 19th-century philosopher and political economist. His world was one of rigid social structures and limited mobility. Original thinkers were like rare birds, pushing against the tide of tradition and conservatism.

Let’s take a real-world example. Look at the story of Steve Jobs. He was a guy who saw the world differently. Before him, computers were clunky, boring machines. Jobs envisioned something sleek, intuitive, and beautiful—a computer that could be a part of everyday life. But many in the tech industry didn’t get it. They thought, “Why change what’s working?” Those unoriginal minds couldn’t see the value of his vision. But Jobs persisted. He saw the future and knew it had to be different. And look at where we are now—iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches. Originality changed everything.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? First, don’t be afraid to think differently. It’s easy to go along with the crowd, but it’s the original ideas that make a difference. Ask yourself, “What’s one thing I can change?” Maybe it’s a new approach to a work project, or a unique twist on a recipe. Small changes can be the start of something big.

Imagine you’re in a meeting at work. Everyone’s tossing around the same tired ideas. You’ve got something new to suggest, but you’re hesitant. Speak up. Even if your idea isn’t immediately accepted, you’re planting a seed. Originality has a way of growing, even in the stoniest ground.

Here’s a relatable scenario. Picture a high school student named Mia. She loves drawing, but her friends are all into sports. They don’t get why she spends hours sketching. They think it’s a waste of time. But Mia keeps at it. She starts sharing her work on social media, and soon, she’s got a following. Her friends still don’t get it, but others do. She starts getting commission requests and even lands a small gallery show. Mia’s originality—something her friends couldn’t understand—opens doors she never imagined.

So, next time you’ve got a fresh idea, don’t let unoriginal minds hold you back. Embrace your creativity. Share your vision. You never know where it might lead. Originality isn’t just about new ideas; it’s about seeing the world in a way others can’t. And that’s a gift worth sharing.