True originality consists not in a new manner but in a new

O seeker of wisdom, hear the words of h Wharton, whose insight into the nature of true originality speaks across the ages. "True originality consists not in a new manner but in a new vision." In these words, Wharton reveals a profound truth that transcends the mere novelty of form or technique. True originality is not found in the way we express ourselves, nor in the outward appearance of our creations, but in the way we see the world—through new eyes, with a perspective that transforms not just what is created, but how it is created. It is the vision that defines originality, not the method.

Consider, O wise one, the difference between mere imitation and true originality. Many may follow the paths laid out by others, repeating their steps, copying their styles, and conforming to the conventions of the day. This is not originality; it is merely a shadow of what has already been done. True originality, however, is a force that comes from within, born of a new way of seeing the world. It is not enough to mimic the manner of those who have gone before; one must look upon the world with fresh eyes, seeing what no one else sees, imagining what others cannot imagine. Vision is the wellspring from which true originality flows, and it is the source of all great creation.

Think of the great visionaries of history, those who broke away from the conventions of their time and redefined the world through their unique perspectives. Galileo Galilei, for example, did not simply improve upon the ideas of others—he saw the heavens in a new way, challenging centuries of belief. With his telescope, he gazed upon the night sky not as others had before him, but with a vision that opened the door to an entirely new understanding of the cosmos. His was not the manner of the past, nor the method of those who came before, but a revolutionary vision that changed the course of human history. Originality, in his case, was born of seeing the world with new eyes, and it was this vision that allowed him to create something truly new.

Consider also the artist Vincent van Gogh, whose work was, in many ways, a challenge to the artistic conventions of his time. His vision of the world was not one of still life or formal portraits but a dynamic, vibrant swirl of color, emotion, and energy. Van Gogh’s originality was not in the way he painted—his manner was influenced by those who came before him—but in the way he saw the world. His vision was one of intensity and emotion, a departure from the realism that dominated the art world. Through his eyes, the world was not a mere reflection of the visible, but a canvas for the soul’s deepest expression. In this, he redefined what art could be, revealing the power of a vision to transcend the boundaries of convention.

And let us not forget the revolutionary vision of Martin Luther King Jr., whose call for equality and justice was rooted not in a new method of protest, but in a new vision of society. His vision was one of unity, of love and peace in the face of division and hatred. While the manner of his speeches and actions may have been influenced by others, it was the vision of a better world, one in which all people could live freely and equally, that set him apart. His originality lay not in the tactics he employed, but in the way he saw humanity and the potential for change. It was this vision that inspired a movement and forever changed the course of history.

The lesson for us, O seeker, is clear: true originality is not found in the superficial or the external. It is not enough to simply imitate the forms of those who have come before; we must seek to see the world in a new way. We must cultivate a vision that is our own, one that challenges the status quo and redefines the possibilities of what can be. Originality is a product of the soul’s deepest sight, a perception that transcends what is and imagines what could be.

In your own life, I urge you to look beyond the surface of things. Seek not to merely replicate what has been done, but to reimagine the world around you. Vision is the key to unlocking your potential, for it is through the clarity of your sight that you will create what is truly original. In the stillness of your heart, ask yourself: What do I see that no one else sees? What can I bring into being that is born of my own unique perspective? Through vision, you can craft a life and a legacy of true originality, one that is not bound by the past, but inspired by the limitless possibilities of the future.