The Art of Avoiding Bad Copies

Paul Graham, in his insightful essay, "Copy What You Like," explains how our early attempts at copying often lead to mistakes, as we unconsciously emulate what we perceive as prestigious, rather than what we truly enjoy.

• He recounts his own experiences in high school, where he tried to imitate "deep" and suffering-ridden short stories, despite not finding them genuinely engaging.
• He later found himself mimicking the style of philosophy papers, blinded by their sophisticated presentation, without truly understanding their content.
• Graham's journey through various phases of imitation reveals the crucial lesson: copying should be driven by genuine appreciation and not by external validation.

The Art of Identifying Your Taste

Identifying what you genuinely like can be challenging, as it's often intertwined with what we're impressed by. Graham suggests two key approaches to uncover your true taste:

• Ignore Presentation: When evaluating a work of art, consider its intrinsic value, regardless of its presentation or perceived prestige.
• Embrace Guilty Pleasures: Identify what you truly enjoy, even if it's considered less "highbrow." Your guilty pleasures often reveal your genuine preferences, unfiltered by societal expectations.

The Art of Copying the Right Things

Once you've identified what you genuinely like, avoid imitating its flaws. This is a crucial step towards creating something truly original and meaningful.

• Graham uses the example of painters who imitated the brown tones of Renaissance paintings, even after the originals were cleaned and revealed their vibrant colors. This highlights the danger of blindly replicating superficial aspects without understanding the underlying principles.
• To truly learn from a master, focus on their strengths, their unique style, and what makes their work stand out.

The Art of Finding Your Own Voice

The process of learning to copy, and then learning to copy the right things, is essential for finding your own voice. It's about developing your own unique style, free from the constraints of blind imitation.

• Graham's journey in art, particularly painting, highlighted the importance of independent judgement and the need to trust your own instincts.
• He realized that relying on external validation, whether from prestigious institutions or established figures, can lead you astray from your true path.

The Art of Continuous Learning

The journey of learning to copy, to refine your taste, and to find your own voice is ongoing. It's a process of constant exploration, evaluation, and refinement. The key is to remain open to new ideas, embrace your own unique perspective, and never stop learning from the masters.

• This continuous learning process is not just about copying; it's about understanding, experimenting, and ultimately, creating something original and meaningful.
• It's a journey of self-discovery, where you learn to trust your instincts, cultivate your taste, and find your own voice.

The Art of Avoiding the Traps of Imitation

Graham's essay is a powerful reminder to question the established norms and to trust our own instincts. It's a call to embrace our own taste and to learn from masters, while avoiding the traps of blind imitation.

• By understanding the art of copying, we can better navigate the complex world of learning, finding our own voice, and creating meaningful work.
• This journey, however, is not always straightforward. It requires self-reflection, continuous learning, and the courage to trust your own judgement.