2.08.2007

The nature of inspiration

The February issue of Harper's has Jonathan Lethem's essay "The Ecstasy of Influence: A Plagiarism," that I not only recommend reading, I recommend reading at least twice.

The essay is a thoughtful meditation on the nature of intellectual and artistic inspiration, and the increasing holes in traditional norms of copyright (and copywrongs). It's a fairly lengthy essay (8,000+ words), but I encourage everyone to stick with it until the end - I doubt you'll be disappointed, and bet you'll be surprised.

Truly brilliant, inspired writing.

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