For me, I like to be different. I didn't want to imitate another

Shinsuke Nakamura’s words, "For me, I like to be different. I didn't want to imitate another wrestler. I always try to find something from other genres, like movies, books, art, and musicals. That's how I made my style," reflect the timeless pursuit of individuality and innovation. In an era where many follow well-worn paths, Nakamura’s journey emphasizes the power of creativity and the courage to forge one’s own path. His approach is not merely about standing out, but about drawing from diverse influences and artistic sources, weaving them together to create something uniquely his own. Nakamura’s wisdom calls to mind the ancient truths that individuality is not simply about being different for the sake of it, but about embracing diversity and reimagining the world through one’s own lens.

In the ancient world, the concept of individuality was often expressed through the hero’s journey—a theme explored in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Heroes like Achilles and Odysseus were not merely warriors; they were embodiments of personal identity in a world that demanded conformity. Yet their greatest feats were often born from their distinctiveness—Achilles’ unrivaled strength and rage, Odysseus’ wit and cunning, both shaped not only by their unique traits but by the worlds they encountered. Achilles’ rage was what made him different from other warriors, just as Odysseus’ cleverness led him to navigate challenges in ways no one else could. In the same vein, Nakamura’s quest for individuality through diverse sources mirrors these ancient heroes: he seeks to blend his own essence with inspiration from beyond the ring, transforming it into something that cannot easily be duplicated.

Consider the Greek sculptor Phidias, who sculpted the monumental statue of Athena for the Parthenon. Phidias did not simply imitate his predecessors; he blended his mastery of form, movement, and symbolism to create an image of Athena that represented the divine yet was deeply human. He looked not just to his immediate environment for inspiration but to the vast expanse of Greek mythology, art, and the gods. Phidias understood that to be truly original, one must expand their vision beyond the confines of their own craft, pulling from a well of diverse influences to craft something greater than the sum of its parts. Nakamura’s approach to wrestling follows this tradition—seeking not to imitate but to integrate the best elements of other art forms, thus creating a style that transcends wrestling itself.

In the same way, Leonardo da Vinci embodied a multi-disciplinary approach to life and art. Da Vinci’s genius was in his ability to blend science, anatomy, engineering, and art into works that defied the boundaries of their time. His Vitruvian Man is not just a drawing; it is a fusion of mathematical proportion, human anatomy, and the beauty of balance. Leonardo did not allow his understanding of the world to be confined to one domain; instead, he believed that the most profound innovations came from intersecting different disciplines. Nakamura, like Leonardo, seeks to create something new by combining influences from multiple domains, whether movies, books, or musicals, into his unique wrestling style. He recognizes that greatness is often born from the willingness to break boundaries and think outside of conventional limits.

The ancient philosopher Aristotle understood the importance of combining different ideas to create new understanding. In his work Metaphysics, he spoke of how knowledge is not static but builds upon itself through synthesis and integration. Art, like knowledge, does not thrive in isolation but grows when it absorbs and reinterprets ideas from various sources. Nakamura’s approach to his craft is a modern reflection of Aristotle’s belief in the power of synthesis—the blending of ideas to form a new, authentic vision. In his refusal to imitate others, Nakamura is not just creating a new wrestling style; he is demonstrating the power of self-expression through the integration of many influences, forging a path that is uniquely his own.

The lesson from Nakamura’s reflection is that creativity is not about imitation but about innovation. Like the great thinkers and artists of the ancient world, we must learn to look beyond the immediate and draw from the vast well of human experience. Whether in art, work, or life, the most profound achievements come when we blend diverse ideas and influence from the world around us. Imitation is a shallow pool, while creativity is a boundless ocean—those who wish to make a mark in the world must seek to forge their own path, drawing not just from what is in front of them, but from all that has come before.

As you walk your own path, embrace diversity in your sources of inspiration, and dare to be different. Like Nakamura, take lessons from different genres and combine them in your own way, not just to stand out, but to create something truly original. Let the great minds of the past, from Homer to Leonardo to Aristotle, guide you toward synthesis and innovation. Understand that your unique voice is shaped by how you blend the world around you, how you pull from the vast tapestry of human experience, and weave it into your own story. Break free from imitation and let the power of diverse influences transform your life, just as it transformed the works of the great artists and philosophers who came before you.