originality is overrated
The final principle is that, more often than not, originality lies on the far side of unoriginality.
Oliver Burkeman • Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
Anyhow, the older I get, the less impressed I become with originality. These days, I’m far more moved by authenticity. Attempts at originality can often feel forced and precious, but authenticity has quiet resonance that never fails to stir me.
Elizabeth Gilbert • Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
there’s something ineffable to it
“What is originality? Undetected plagiarism.” — William Ralph Inge