IDEAS | WRITING
How Unique Are Your ‘Unique’ Ideas?
What’s the likelihood that your idea is actually someone else’s idea, too? (and not plagiarism)
- You get a new idea.
- You think it’s unique — no one’s ever written about it before.
But then you type it into your search bar and press “Enter.”
And then? You discover not just one, but multiple articles, blog posts, and essays on the same topic, some even articulated more beautifully than you would have.
The results can be disheartening. I think all writers and creators have been there.
I once had an idea for a technical article on Google Docs features that aren’t present in Word. I thought I had a fresh take, was intimately familiar with both writing tools, and had value to offer. But a quick search revealed hundreds of Google Docs vs. Microsoft Word articles. Each piece seemed to cover every angle I had in mind, leaving me feeling that neither was my idea unique, nor did I offer a unique perspective.
The nature of ideas
Let’s start with a bit of context.
We live in a world of over 8 billion people, each with their own thoughts, experiences, and creativity. What does this volume of human cognition mean statistically? The probability of two people having similar ideas isn’t just possible — it’s highly likely!
This isn’t plagiarism. It’s a consequence of:
- Shared experiences
- Collective knowledge
Ideas are born from our interactions with the world.
We read books, watch movies, have conversations, and consume a huge amount of information daily. These inputs are the raw material for our thoughts.
As James Webb Young puts in his book, A Technique for Producing Ideas:
An idea is nothing more nor less than a new combination of old elements.
‘Parallel thinking,’ a concept introduced by Edward de Bono, means that when people are exposed to similar stimuli or problems, they arrive at similar conclusions independently. Meaning, somewhere in the world, your solution is someone else’s solution, too. Not because one of you copied the other, but because you both have the same problem to solve!
The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray in the 19th century is a classic example. Both inventors filed patents for their telephone designs on the same day, completely unaware of each other’s work.
The fear of unoriginality
As a writer, this can be paralyzing. But the value of an idea isn’t solely in its novelty. Execution, perspective, and personal touch play way more important roles.
Take, for example, the fantasy novels Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan. Both stories follow young main characters who learn about their magical backgrounds and go to special schools, all while fighting against evil forces. Despite the similarities, each series has a unique mythology, character growth, and storytelling style.
When I first started writing, I was terrified of my work being seen as derivative. I knew I didn’t plagiarize, but I was afraid my readers and fellow writers in the community would think so.
And what if I did it unconsciously?
But over time, I realized that my voice brought something new to the table, even if the core idea wasn’t entirely ‘original’.
The collective ecosystem
Instead of worrying that your ideas aren’t new, try to understand that everyone contributes to a big pool of “shared knowledge.” This pool grows as people add new thoughts and build on what others have already said.
Imagine a social media platform where people share tips on gardening. One user posts about a new way to grow tomatoes, and others add their own methods or hacks. Each contribution makes the original idea richer and more useful. Also, when different people come up with the same idea on their own (like inventing the telephone), it shows that the idea is strong and fits the current needs.
So, instead of feeling discouraged if your ideas aren’t completely new, you should celebrate how our collective thinking can make them even better.
There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope.
— Mark Twain
Imposter syndrome and writers
Imposter syndrome is an issue for many writers, especially when they find that their “unique” ideas aren’t as unique as they thought.
Here are some strategies I have used to overcome it:
- Your unique voice: Even if an idea has been written about before, your personal experience and perspective can provide a fresh take. No one else has your exact voice.
- Focus on execution: Two people can write about the same topic, but the approach and style can make all the difference.
- Iterate and innovate: Use the existing work on your idea as a foundation. Adding your unique spin or exploring a niche aspect that hasn’t been covered yet can set your work apart.
- Self-compassion: Every writer — even the most successful ones — experiences doubt and the fear of unoriginality. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge your efforts.
Wrap-up
It’s natural for different human ideas to overlap. If your idea resembles someone else’s or vice versa, it doesn’t mean humanity has failed. It actually shows how connected we are as humans.
We all draw from the same pool, so even if ideas look alike, each one adds some value. So, the next time you find that your brilliant idea has a doppelgänger, don’t despair. Instead, focus on what you can bring to it that no one else can:
- Your unique perspective
- Passion
- Creativity
That’s what matters!
