"شاعران نابالغ تقلید می‌کنند شاعران بالغ می‌دزدند"

The heart of this quote is about the evolution of creativity. When someone is just starting out, they tend to mimic the work of others. They copy the styles, ideas, and techniques that they admire. But, as they grow and mature, they begin to assimilate these influences and make them their own. They "steal" in the sense that they take what they’ve learned and incorporate it into their unique voice and vision.

Historically, this idea has been linked to the way artists and writers develop their craft. T.S. Eliot, a renowned poet, articulated this notion in his essay "The Sacred Wood." He suggested that great artists don’t just replicate what’s been done before—they transform it, making something entirely new.

Think about a jazz musician. When they start, they practice scales and play classics note-for-note. But as they get better, they begin to improvise. They take those foundational elements and twist them, turning old standards into something fresh and personal. It’s not about direct imitation anymore; it’s about transformation and innovation.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life or work? First, don't be afraid to imitate when you're starting out. Learn from the best. Study their techniques, understand why they work, and practice them. But as you grow more confident, start to let go of rigid structures. Play around with what you’ve learned. Inject your own experiences, style, and perspective. Make it yours.

Imagine you're a budding photographer. At first, you might copy the framing and editing techniques of photographers you admire on Instagram. That’s totally fine—it’s part of learning. But over time, start experimenting. Maybe you begin to capture moments that speak uniquely to your life—your neighborhood at sunset, the quirky expressions of your friends, the way light filters through your favorite coffee shop window. Your photos become more than just technically good—they start to tell your story.

Here's a story to illustrate this idea. Picture a young chef named Alex. Alex starts out by following recipes to the letter, cooking dishes exactly as they appear in the cookbook. But as Alex gains experience, something changes. One day, while making a traditional ratatouille, Alex decides to add a twist—a pinch of a rare spice discovered during a trip to a local market. The dish transforms. It’s still recognizable as ratatouille, but it's also something new, something that reflects Alex’s unique journey and tastes.

In both photography and cooking, the process is the same. Start by imitating to build your skills. Then, allow yourself to steal—take the techniques and ideas you’ve learned and make them your own. Don’t worry about perfecting someone else’s style. Focus on developing your voice, your perspective. That’s where true creativity lies. It’s not just about following in the footsteps of those you admire; it’s about walking your own path, even if it leads somewhere unexpected.

So, embrace your influences. Learn from them. But remember, the goal is to transform those influences into something that’s unmistakably yours. That’s the difference between imitation and true artistic theft.