"I don't care that they stole my idea . . I care that they don't have any of their own"

This quote is all about the frustration of seeing your original ideas taken and reused without any credit, and even more, feeling that those who took it lack the creativity to come up with something on their own. Think about it—it's not just about the act of stealing, but the underlying fact that the person who did it isn't capable of generating their own unique thoughts.

Historically, this quote resonates with many inventors and creative minds. It's often attributed to Nikola Tesla, the brilliant inventor who gave us alternating current, among many other innovations. Tesla had lots of his ideas and inventions used by others, often without acknowledgment. Yet, what really got to him was the realization that these people weren't inventors themselves—they were just opportunists riding on his coattails.

Let’s look at a real-life example to make this clearer. Imagine you’re in a brainstorming session at work. You’ve spent nights thinking up a killer marketing campaign. You’re excited to share it with your team. But then, a week later, your idea is presented in a company meeting by someone else, and they’re getting all the credit. It’s frustrating, right? What’s worse, you know they couldn’t have thought of it on their own—they're constantly looking for others to do the creative heavy lifting.

So, how do you handle such a situation? First, acknowledge your feelings—it's completely normal to feel upset. However, don't let it deter you. Keep creating and innovating. Your unique abilities will shine through in the long run. It might be helpful to document your ideas and share them in ways that establish a clear record of your contributions. Also, try to work in spaces that value originality and give credit where it’s due.

Here’s a relatable story: Imagine a small startup. There’s a guy named Joe who’s always dreaming up new product features. He’s passionate and works late into the night refining his ideas. His colleague, Lisa, often takes these ideas and presents them as her own in meetings. Joe feels frustrated but decides not to confront her immediately. Instead, he starts to document his thoughts in a project management tool they all use, dating his entries. Eventually, it becomes clear to the team who the real innovator is. Joe’s consistent creativity and his smart way of ensuring his ideas are traceable earn him respect and recognition.

In essence, while it’s maddening to see your ideas taken, what truly matters is your ability to keep innovating. It's your creativity that sets you apart. Don't let the lack of originality in others diminish your drive. Keep pushing boundaries—eventually, the truth of where those brilliant ideas originate will become evident. And remember, even if someone can steal an idea, they can’t replicate the spark that created it. Keep that fire alive.