"من فکر می‌کردم که صرفاً تقلید از شخصیت‌های برجسته‌ای که با آنها روبرو شدیم یا بزرگسالانی که ملاقات کردیم کافی باشد"

Growing up, it’s easy to think that the best way to shape our own lives is by imitating those we admire. The core idea here is about the simplicity and naivety of believing that merely copying the actions or behaviors of prominent figures or adults around us is sufficient for personal development. It’s a notion that many of us held at some point—thinking that if we just emulate those who seem successful or wise, we’ll automatically become the same.

Historically, this idea resonates with many cultural and educational systems that put high value on role models. In the past, apprenticeships and learning by example were primary ways of acquiring skills and knowledge. Think about a blacksmith's apprentice in medieval times, closely observing and mimicking the master's every move, believing that this would be enough to become a master craftsman one day. Nowadays, we see this in how young people might try to dress, talk, or act like their favorite celebrities or influential figures, assuming that this alone will lead to similar success or fulfillment.

Consider the example of a young artist named Emma. She adored Vincent van Gogh. She'd study his works, read about his life, and spend countless hours trying to paint just like he did. Her room was filled with sunflowers and starry nights, and she even tried to mimic his unique brush strokes. For a while, it seemed like she was on the right track—her paintings were good, and people admired her skill. However, she eventually hit a wall. Despite her impressive technique, Emma felt stuck because her art lacked originality and personal expression. She realized that while mimicking van Gogh had taught her a lot, it wasn't enough to truly capture her own voice or vision.

So, what can we learn here? Mimicking others can be a great starting point. It can help you develop foundational skills and understand certain principles. But it’s crucial to move beyond imitation. Here’s some advice: use your role models as inspirations rather than blueprints. Pay attention to what makes them successful, but then find your own unique way of applying those lessons. Don't be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and discover your own style or path.

Imagine a scenario where you're learning to cook. You might start by following recipes from famous chefs. You meticulously measure ingredients, follow each step, and try to replicate the dishes to perfection. It's a fantastic way to learn the basics. But, think about the joy and creativity that come when you start to tweak those recipes—adding a pinch of this, a dash of that—and eventually, you create a dish that's uniquely yours. You took what you learned from the chefs but made it your own.

In life, it’s similar. We can’t just be carbon copies of those we admire. We need to take the essence of what makes them great and infuse it with our own experiences, perspectives, and creativity. It's about finding a balance between learning from others and being true to ourselves. So, go ahead—imitate as a starting point, but don't forget to innovate, personalize, and evolve. That’s how you genuinely grow and make your own mark in the world.