Harvey Mackay Column- Imitation Is A Great Way To Learn, Grow
Harvey Mackay’s column argues that imitation is a powerful learning tool but warns against over‑reliance that erodes authenticity. He opens with a Chinese‑plate anecdote showing that copying can reproduce flaws. Citing Napoleon Hill and George Bernard Shaw, he frames imitation as a natural human behavior that can accelerate personal and professional growth. He illustrates benefits through a tech‑startup vignette where developer Lisa mimics colleague Tom’s habits, only to discover the limits of surface copying, and through examples of business clones such as Instagram, Snapchat, Google Home, and Amazon Echo. Mackay also highlights how musicians and artists learn by emulating masters, stressing the need to credit sources and avoid plagiarism. The column then shifts to cautions: excessive imitation can dilute personal brand, create inauthentic relationships, and hinder genuine creativity. This is dramatized with an intern, Tim, who imitates his boss’s style to comic effect, underscoring the importance of humor and individuality. The piece concludes with a moral that imitation can open doors, but staying true to oneself keeps them open.
Topics
Chinese Plate Parable: Imitation Replicates Flaws
A story about a broken Chinese plate sent for replication, resulting in new plates with the same crack, illustrating that imitation can copy imperfections.
Imitation as a Learning Engine: Quotes and Philosophy
References to Napoleon Hill, George Bernard Shaw, and Denis Waitley that position imitation as a natural, effective way to acquire skills and habits.