Philosophy Essay on Imitation

“Imitation is suicide.” This is a quote by the famous writer and philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson. He believed that we, as humans, intuitively have divine truth within ourselves, and it is only by looking within that we will uncover our true genius and potential.  To Emerson, imitation suppressed creative genius and barred people from achieving their true potential. He believed that “the relations of the soul to the divine spirit are so pure that it is profane to seek interpose helps.” In this way, imitation was self-destructive and unnecessary. However, is this concept true in the light of Scripture? It is true that, whether deliberately or passively, imitation is inevitable, so one should wisely choose who they will imitate.

Everyone imitates others to some degree; imitation is a thread of the fabric of identity. One naturally imitates those one wants to be like; those who possess qualities one desires, or who have attained a level of perceived achievement that one wishes to attain. Not only so, but we are also influenced by ideologies that we desire to embody. Complete avoidance of imitation is impossible because even originality is not an original concept. Imitation is inescapable and can be either profitable or damaging. Thus, the issue is not whether to imitate or not to imitate; rather it is a question of who should be imitated.

Mimicry of the wrong individuals or ideologies is harmful, and blind imitation is self-destructive. Blind imitation of others is detrimental because God has created each of us with different aptitudes and purposes, so we should not merely copy what others do. Imitation or conformity can extinguish sparks of creativity and individuality, thus intercepting one from achieving their potential. Rather than merely copying others, one should strive to do what God intends for them while imitating virtuous qualities and actions. We must also be careful to not passively conform to the world, as imitation can happen without us realizing it. For this reason, we should be purposeful and resolute in who we choose to emulate.  One should be careful to, as 3 John 11 says, “not imitate what is evil, but what is good.” Something or someone will be imitated to a certain extent, so we should imitate that which is good.     

We ought to emulate those who bear honourable qualities. As  1 Peter 2:21 states,  “...Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” And again, in 1 John 2:6, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” God created us in His image, and to follow and imitate His Son should be our greatest joy. It is by no means “suicide.” To follow Christ and live a life pleasing to Him is not a helpful option, but rather a command. As we assay to be more like Him, we should also emulate those who have noble qualities.  The writer of Hebrews desires “that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:11-12)  In other words, imitating those who have the right qualities, such as faith or perseverance, should be encouraged. One should not be so lost in mimicking another that they forget that we are each unique individuals with distinctive gifts and traits, nor should they completely disregard the idea of emulating those who possess honourable virtues. As the writer of Hebrews also says, “since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...” (Hebrews 12:1-2) Ultimately, emulation of others should be done with the motive of following Christ. 

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ,” said the apostle Paul to the Corinthian believers. (1 Corinthians 11:1) This is a far cry from Emerson’s quote, “Imitation is suicide.” Imitation is inevitable. The choice we have is who to imitate, and we must choose wisely. We can imitate what is evil, or what is good; we can imitate the world, or we can imitate God; we can imitate those who are reprehensible or those who are commendable. It is never “suicide” to follow the Way, Truth, and Life, or to emulate those who have demonstrated virtue and integrity.