IF IMITATION IS THE HIGHEST FORM OF FLATTERY

We are a bunch of hypocrites! The other day, Garry commented that Apple is suing Microsoft (again? still?) over copyright infringements while Apple is suing Samsung and I’m sure Samsung is suing someone — all for infringing on iPhone copyrights.

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I told him: “In the computer world, every company is suing every other company for copyright infringement. It keeps the legal profession in business.”

We tell kids — one among the many hypocrisies we spew — that “Imitation is the highest form of flattery.” If Julia copies your hairstyle, buys the same dresses, talks and walks like you, it’s because she admires you and wants to be you. “Now, be nice to Julia. She’s just showing how much she admires you, dear.”

In the real world, you’d be suing Julia all the way to the Supreme Court. Oh the lies we tell!

The real quote is:


“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”  ― Oscar Wilde


Not exactly the way one usually hears it. Isn’t it interesting how big a difference a few words at the end of a sentence can make?



Categories: Humor, Quotation

Tags: , , ,

12 replies

  1. I had never heard the full quote before either. Oscar Wilde would definitely not have been nice to Julia.

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  2. This is very interesting, I have never heard this quote before. I would not like someone copying me and I would not be nice to Julia.

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  3. Like all good propaganda for children and voters, we only use the parts we want.

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  4. I never even knew…. sacré Wilde!

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