Imitation: Is It Our Achilles Heel?
Children love to imitate. Or are they taught to imitate?
Friends, have you even wondered why the world never seems to change at least as far as human behaviour goes? Perhaps the reason is simple.
Basically each new generations copies the one before it. Each child, from birth, imitates its parents and is rewarded for doing so and is punished when it doesn’t. It soon gets the message. But imitation means that, logically, all progress is stopped, evolution is stopped and true freedom is stifled. We become clones.
Daily, we pour into our children’s minds the same stuff as we were taught, tonnes of it. Day by day we force feed our children. We, as parents, do, television does, teachers do, clerics do, the radio does, peers do.
Children are encouraged to study hard, do well, compete to win, accept religion, be a good citizen, to accumulate, to see themselves as superior to others, to go to college, get a prestigious profession, climb up the ladder, make lots of money, live in a good neighborhood, send their kids to a private school, serve their country, be patriotic, etc. This is not freedom! This is servitude, servitude created by imitation, servitude created by social pressure, servitude that makes a few people very rich.
True freedom brings with it loads of choices.
For example, you can spend your life sailing around the world. You can live in a monastery in Tibet. You can involve yourself in the arts: paint, weave, sculpt, write poems or novels. You can live as a hermit and grow your own food. You can stay in a commune and make all your own clothes. You can meditate on a mountain top or a beach. You can spend your life helping the poor or learning languages. You can walk around the world backwards or simply ponder the universe.
You can help to save species nearing extinction or help lonely people. You can become an amateur comedian and make people laugh where ever you go. You could spend your life trying to make war a crime or you could plant trees and flowers to further beautify our world. You could sing on street corners to remind those who hurry past that there are many ways to spend one’s life. There is no end to the choices and, of course, we can undertake many choices during our life thereby fulfilling our real potential.
We have to break the cycle of imitation, allow our children real choices. Of course, politicians, business tycoons, militarists, religious institutions don’t want us to have choices. They want us to remain as unthinking beings who follow the accepted conventions, their conventions.
To hell with them! Let’s make imitation a sign of intellectual and moral slavery.
Freedom awaits you! It’s never too late!
A Brave New World could soon dawn.
Yeah!
A post after my heart’s desire!
Amazing David, always hits the target.
Brilliant!
Bless You Brother!
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David G Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Great minds think alike, Adina.
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the good ol’ USA definately prizes conformity.
I went to parochical school where the dress of the day was the uniform.Personally, the uniform was an advantage to a me & my “financially embarassed family. I often thought if the USA pased laws like Maoist China & ordered us all to dress in blue scrubs &mao jackets, I’d be relieved.
I also believe that the gov. should step in with the necessities of life (food, shelter, clothing, utilities) so that there is a semblence of an even playing field.
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zOOps, I forgot a few biggies: medical care, public transportation & free hi speed internet & phone service….all the telephone lines are installed, the $$$ they get is all gravy.
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David, this one brings tears to my eyes. So true and so sad. I spent too many years trying to indoctrinate my children with everything that was taught to me. Somewhere along the way I started to spot other teachings and I know I probably confused my children just as they were becoming teenagers when I tried to explain to them why I had changed my mind on some issues that I had tried to pound into their brains before.
But my daughter’s friend had a baby last February and I get to see him every month or two. He is not my baby. He is not my grandchild. He is my little friend. My daughter and her friend tell me that I am grandma number 3. But when I’m alone with him I am teaching him to say kath-E…. lol (not grandma)
When this baby gets old enough to finger paint or color with crayons, we are going to color the world (if he still lives close to me) and he likes singing so we are going to keep on singing! We are going to blow on dandilions in my back yard and watch the wind carry them everywhere. (My neighbor hates that because they infest his well kept lawn.) We are going to lay out on a blanket in my back yard and look at the stars and moon at night and clouds in the day time. We are going to chase lightening bugs and butterflies and draw pictures of them. We will study ant hills to see how hard they work. We will laugh at squirrels. And we will dance. His young self and my old self may not keep perfect timing to the music but we don’t care.
I won’t indoctrinate this child when he’s with me. I will keep him safe but other than that, I think I will be the student this time around.
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Grace Reply:
December 16th, 2009 at 5:06 am
Beautiful post. : )
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Kate Bates, perhaps humans, if they provided most things for themselves, would be happier, closer to nature, and closer to each other.
Kathy, I too thought that imitation was very important. But for some reason I wasn’t a good imitator. It saved me from being a total clone, one of the sheeple.
Much of the time in my younger years I lived in a world of my own and my imagination was fantastic. I also read a great deal and thought a great deal.
I see what is possible when thinking is substituted for imitation.
Your plans for your little ‘friend’ are wonderful.
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Grace Reply:
December 16th, 2009 at 5:15 am
“..for some reason I wasn’t a good imitator..”
Ha, David, reminds me of my natural dyslexia. Everytime, everyone went right, I would go left. Sports, dancing, math. It was a painful affliction at the time. Now, here I am and I can’t quite get put into any cube. It can be socially painful to be considered unique. It can also be freeing when you don’t have to follow the same grueling standard that all the wannabees are trying so hard to attain. For us, it can be joyous and freeing to meet other unique individuals. We don’t have to run off and try to follow anyone. Others are less threatening in this case. No fear of others influence. Free to like what we like and to walk away when it is not right. Thanks.
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I have no praise for Maoist China, and the fact that Soros praises China as being prototype for the New World Order proves what an enemy of justice and freedom it is. No one child policies for the USA, no sirree.
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Wow! You said it. This is really real and grounded. It is true. We are all peers among men/women. These people that hold the status quo are like slave managers. Yes, we all need order and laws to keep us all safe in a communal existence. That is where it should end. Beyond that, we must be free in the ways you describe! Some are natural leaders, but then, aren’t we all leaders in our own worlds? This personal freedom.. reminds me of a saying by Chogyan Trungpa, “When the struggle ends, truth begins.”
I will tell you one story. Because of my health situation and what it takes to manage me, I have been judged mercilessly by ignorants. I have had to scrap and fight my way to being accepted unconditionally. When we moved, I met a new, state of the art doctor. A strong, beautiful on the inside, fierce on the outside woman, who told me that I am “under-treated!” Nobody has ever acknowledeged my real situation unconditionally as she did. Suddenly I am free! All as a result of her educated, no less, acceptance. Suddenly I feel free! I can start painting again! When all my energy isn’t spent fighting for my life within the system,.. life is simple, there is time to experience the innate human freedom and multitude of possibilities become open. Like a window or a doorway to the sacred self.
Great post, D.G.
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What an interesting choice for a post……..when I was 5, an uncle died and I had to go to the funeral. When I looked into the casket, I knew, somehow, that, that wasn’t my uncle any longer. From that time on, no matter what others were saying/doing, I always took the other road, except for jobs, although now that I am older, I am finally doing with less, to do something more interesting and fulfilling.
Baaaaa
Cheers!
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Hey Grace, glad to hear I’m not alone! May our numbers swell.
Therese, Mao was a criminal, one in the mould of Stalin. A world full of thinking, caring people is the best option for progress and peace.
Grace, your story of relief is uplifting. If only there were more doctors like the one you encountered. Most of them are only in it for the money, I’m afraid.
Hey, Coffee, great that you called by. I would recommend everyone takes a look at your blog because it’s unique and welcoming.
Why not visit ‘Falling on a Bruise’ too (see my Special Links). Lucy is trying to make changes to the world too and has a nice, subtle approach!
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And all the while the politicians, business tycoons, militarists, religious institutions and god lovers tell us we are free, unique, allowed to practice any religion etc etc. It is all lies and spin words designed to keep you at ease while being manipulated to do what they want you to do, spend, consume, conform and be happy knowing that they have your interests at heart.
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It’s very sinister. Not only do they indoctrinate us to accept our servitude, they turn us into creatures that will rat out each other. If I think my noisy neighbors are doing something in their home that needs to be investigated, I am encouraged by the local law enforcement to report it. They have us trained to want to enslave each other.
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Kemosobi, it is a giant con job the extent of which is difficult to comprehend. They, our masters, say quite openly: Never Give A Sucker An Even Break. And they don’t!
Kathy, the ratting aspect was highlighted in 1984. I wonder how much longer blogs like mine will be allowed to exist. After all, people who question are dangerous!
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“People who question are dangerous”,
That explains why a black Toyota kluger with dark tinted windows and Vic number plates was sitting out the front of my house with a man inside taking photos of my house, who suddenly left very quickly when I walked out to confront him? Has this happened to any other Aussie commentor of this site or even you David?
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David G Reply:
December 17th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
A few years ago I had a rather strange visit from the local police but other than that, Kemosobi, I’ve not had anything strange happen.
I’m sure, however, that I’m on the ASIO files although I have done everything I can to hide my whereabouts and true identity.
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David I hope you will always have this blog. But they are watching closely and trying to put laws into place to shut down our freedom of speech. Didn’t they just pass a new law in Australia for the internet? I know here Obama was working on some security law that he wanted to have passed that said if we were somehow threatened by cyber attack he would have the authority to shut down the internet. There was also a new hate crimes bill that just passed. If they deem that anyone has said something online that might hurt someone’s feelings or incite anger then they can be charged with a hate crime.
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David G Reply:
December 17th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Yes, the law in Australia was supposed to protect children but many wonder about its wider implications.
I read somewhere this morning that the Israelis are trying to make it a hate crime to say anything negative about Israel! Who could say anything negative about Israel, that country that embraces peace, loves its neighbours, is known in every corner of the globe for its compassion, caring and generosity, and how it enthusiastically embraces human rights!
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kathy Reply:
December 17th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
If a thing is disgusting we should always have the freedom to say it’s disgusting!
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Brian Adams Reply:
December 17th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
No Kathy and any other misnformed comrades.The ‘law’ has not been passed in Australia regarding porn filters.It hasn’t even been presented to the parliament for debate.As our (in)glorious representatives so often say to each other “don’t let the facts spoil a good story”
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kathy Reply:
December 18th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Thanks Brian. I didn’t go into in depth research on Australia’s internet laws. I just noticed two or three headlines. This is one of them.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/12/15/2772467.htm
Sounds like they decided to spend a certain amount over a 4 year period to tackle internet issues. But what??? Now they have to legislate on which issues to tackle? Am I understanding it correctly or could this whole idea just die before it becomes law?
I guess anything is possible but I do tend to believe that government officials/lawmakers lie to us and it’s not in our best interest when they do.
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A bit more information about mind control, tv and the internet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnPfWt-oKBA
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I see the power of imitation all the time with my grandson. He is a sponge soaking up everything he comes in contact with. I am trying to teach him to question what he sees and hears. Even though that is hard to teach a 4 year old I am hoping that with enough repeation he will learn to question what he is taught and to think and makeup his own mind.
I feel I am very lucky since I have always questioned things I was taught since I was a child and reading has surely helped to feed that ability to ask questions, but there have been many times when I too went along without thinking about what I was doing. I was unable to see that I had choices. That there were people who did not want me to see I had those choices.
It is scary seeing people who are totally unable to question and who follow blindly dangerous demagogues even though they are leading them into some new version of hell.
I feel the need to be constantly on alert and aware and questioning everyday or I will get lost and unable to find any truth to live by.
Your site really helps keep me focused. Keep up the good work, the world and I need you!
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There was a period of time that my computer was always under attack. Being married to a security expert, he would ask me; my god, what sites do you go to? I would just list all my left wing, progressive news sites..
We just moved OUT of a military town, A city with 4 SuperFund Sites and 2 military bases. One of the bases is owned privately now, but the military rents out the space — to avoid cleaning up the SuperFund Site!! Busy, busy as bees they are these days, and nights. The whole town was one big lens into the true state of America. From homeless tent cities, black people walking long distances, rich people communities and schools. Schools for everybody else, all the soldiers returning with PTSD, getting ready to go back, military exercises overhead day and night, lalala.
Now, we live in an educated, quiet, working, living organism with lots and lots of mature trees everywhere. The City goes to great measures to keep people who do not belong, out. It is a simple process. It is hinged on a belief system that is remarkably simple. Most people BELIEVE they could never afford such grace and beauty. For us, we BELIEVE we belong, even though we are not of the rich variety. We live paycheck to check like many others. I think it is because we are natives to this land and we love nature, and we live with faith in a higher intelligence than what is strictly human. I don’t wish to sound more prideful that I may really be. Life is hard for many, everywhere.
Interesting all the varieties of responses to this post on Imitation: Our achilles heel? We are led to believe that following the leader will give us freedom. Caesar is Great! Yay! I am in the middle of watching the series (available on Netflix) entitled, Rome. It is awesome! It is a drama about the time of Caesar. It was different than today AND remarkable similar!! I recommend it on many levels. From just seeing the social strata and everyone in their places as well as remarkably intimate views of life during that time.
So much more to say, as usual, but I’ll leave here. Peace, love.
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kathy Reply:
December 18th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Thanks Grace! I went out and imitated you tonight. I rented the first season of Rome. ha! I will start watching it a little later. SinceI had my tv disconnected I’ve rented some tv series and what I like is NO COMMERCIALS!!!! I know that any show or movie has hidden symbology so I am aware. But no commercials is like heaven to me!!!
One of the first series I rented was called ‘Jericho’. Back when I was working I was on call all the time so it was very hard for me to ever think I would be able to catch a weekly episode of anything. But the comments sections of many articles and many blogs I’ve visited kept mentioning this tv show as a very realistic view of how quickly things can change in our modern lives if a major event happens to our country.
It was a good series. I’m not a ‘survivalist’ either…yet! In my mind I can still run and jump and climb on ladders or trees but in my body, I have to give myself a shot every couple of weeks to control the arthritis that has taken over my joints and inflamed my tendons. I won’t be one of those people who takes a bug out bag and high tails it into the great outdoors to hide from the…(whatever enemy that might be coming).
Jericho is a story of how a small town survives after a nuclear attack. Very good/realistic show. I’m thinking I might just make it in a small town!!!!!!
Well I’m signing off for tonight to go watch Rome. Helicopters flying over in the background again! love and peace to all of you
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Grace Reply:
December 20th, 2009 at 3:40 am
Jreicho is in the queue. Thanks, Kathy! am hooked on Rome like an addiction, but I know when it is over i will be jonesingfor the next. Hey, I ‘am an American, did you expect less?
Peace, Y’all.
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Children imitate the things we never thought they were paying attention to. While some lessons must be repeated and reminded hundreds of times! Kids are sensitive at a level of consciousness that takes adults by suprise.
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For fear of imitation, my son is not allowed around my brother – a dangerous man.
Parents that are aware, go to all lengths to protect their children and ensure mental as well as physical health of their offspring. Unfortunately this was not enough for the little “beauty queen” in the photo above. R.I.P., Jon Benet Ramsey.
Children who live in warzones survive. Horrifying to think what they will learn to imitate. Some come out strong, some damaged.
A world at peace. Actively engaging in a peaceful process is not for the everyday Cavedweller. Diplomacy and other skills from a near past, take a great deal of intelligence and skill.
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From what I can read out from the different commenters in this post of great personallities, they are, I think it’s funny , with all respect to, how these honorables have made/turned their destiny into something possitive if not outright to successstories.
That ‘faculty’ is perhaps one of the graeatest inner abilities, not only have humanbeings but all living creatures on earth, (and in that respect every beings to the best benefit of life. With it’s great/huge opportunities [you can actually be president of the United states of Amerca!!!] given by put into this world, and I honestly, I don’t think there should OR can be given any unambiguous receipt on how to utilize this opportunity – this unique (one ticket) life as there isn’t given any second change ‘planted’ on this earth [[without being asked in advance]], is really to try to do the best one can (do) – also – because it isn’t you who’ve decide how much, [if any, at all of ] e.g charm, beauty, intelligence, faculties etc. you are endowed with. YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN.
Where I think wretching sets in / where things goes wrong is if and when the infant , as fragile as (it) is become exposed to continued heartlessness [how about the children in Gaza in war times, cannot even flee] over extended periodes of time by ‘it’s parents or whatever comes near the child, by way of , excessive / obsession by parent and their own agenda of the prospect on behalf the ‘prodigy’ by example being to ‘something big’.
For my part i feel extremely fortunate to have been child of responsible, reasonable and caring parents. They tried their best possible to guide me to a decent way of livelihood, though without much considerations / negociation with me, as the young ignorant of child
as a fourteen old didn’t know much about possibilities then.
As I am, a sixty ‘youngster’ generation, a seven years of schooling was what was ‘it’ or became to, and after this, coming from a poor family you immediately had to go out in the country side to ‘serve’, as e.g. a groomer or stableman .or something alike on farms/estates etc. many lived their whole course of life as e.g. herdsman or whatever was of farm/agriculture jobs.
Life were simple then. That can not be said to be the case today. Just to make one example as I’ve been very obsessed with electronic, and how it works, how a harddisk is produce ‘today’ in hitech laboratories e.g. hermetic cleaned for dust. You cannot come straight in from the street to be employed, as in the old days, to produce such a hightechs (in my view) exceptionel technology.
In other words if you, by own desire of course, wants to reach the ‘hi notes’ you have to start early, if not in the class of nursery school. – and yet worse loosing the entire childhood.
It isn’t a ‘funny’ thing to be born into the world of today.
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Beautiful, David. It seems many people miss the mark, and their biggest ambition is to be the richest person in the graveyard. I don’t have anything against someone being wealthy; however, it’s what they do with their money that matters. If they use their wealth to help other less fortunate individuals, then the blessing is theirs.
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Brian, I think you might be jumping the gun. Let’s wait and see what the law ends up being!
Kathy, thanks for the link.
Jeannie, questioning is the key that unlocks the brain. Ideologues hate questioners.
Grace, what happened to Ancient Rome is instructive for those who believe that America will and should rule the world. A world at peace. What a nice thought!
John, some might think it a funny thing to be born into the world today. I can think of some other periods in human history I’d sooner have been born into!
Kristen, the richest person in the graveyard seems to symbolize the folly of capitalism and greed. As someone once said: You can’t take it with you!
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