Joyful Imitation

Introduction

It is impossible to understand just how influenced we are by others. A vital part of being human is the skill and practice of imitation. Think of all the things that you do because you were taught to do it or you saw someone else do it, or rather, try to think of something that you did not start doing because of imitation. One of the joys of being a young parent is witnessing your child begin to imitate you. Reuben will see Jessica baking, he’ll grab a spoon and a plastic bowl full of cheerios and start making something of his own. This is more than just adorable, it is the most important skill he will ever develop: the skill of imitation.

In our world we are often discouraged from relying on other and encouraged to find meaning in ourselves. But practically we never find meaning in ourselves, rather we look outside ourselves and internalize the meaning that we see worth following. This is the art of imitation, and instead of trying to be different or original, we should recognize that we are indeed creatures of habit and turn our attention to wisely controlling who we imitate and why. When you were young you learned to imitate your parents and older siblings in everything from how to walk and eat to how to do chores and hold a conversation. In school you learned to imitate your teachers in problems solving and, if you had a good teacher, you were taught to imitate a love for knowledge.

Keep your Eyes

Beholding the Danger

Citizenship in Heaven

Conclusion: Stand Firm