retro-quotes: a series of germane remarks, by others, plucked from all over the place, and from all over the time - #25

"Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination…. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don't bother concealing your thievery--celebrate it if you feel like it. in any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: 'It's not where you take things from--it's where you take them to'"

--Jim Jarmusch, Golden Rule #5, MovieMaker, January 22, 2004.