--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I'd rather do my own performance than…" description: "\"I'd rather do my own performance than copy someone else's.\" — Arthur Darvill" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73f/arthur-darvill-30667_copies_i-d-rather-do-my-own-performance-than-co_1010482.png" --- # I'd rather do my own performance than copy someone else's. ![“I'd rather do my own performance than copy someone else's.” quote by Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73f/arthur-darvill-30667_copies_i-d-rather-do-my-own-performance-than-co_1010482.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73f/arthur-darvill-30667_copies_i-d-rather-do-my-own-performance-than-co_1010482.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73f/arthur-darvill-30667_copies_i-d-rather-do-my-own-performance-than-co_1010482.png) > “I'd rather do my own performance than copy someone else's.” [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Personal authenticity outweighs imitation; strive to develop your own unique abilities. **In simple terms:** Be original, not a copy. Key Takeaway Cultivate your own talents. Themes creativity authenticity self‑development Mood encouraging confident Type inspirational practical When to use this quote - artistic projects - entrepreneurship - education Key Concepts individualism skill mastery innovation Questions to Reflect On - What unique skill can you develop? - How does originality benefit your work? A Different Perspective Imitating others may limit personal growth. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Copies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/copies/) [Copy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/copy/) [My own](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/my-own/) [Performance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/performance/) [Performance Copy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/performance-copy-2190687/) [Performances](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/performances/) ## Related quotes > [We call ourselves creators and we just copy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lauryn-hill/we-call-ourselves-creators-and-we-just-copy/) [Lauryn Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lauryn-hill/) > [If you can’t out iterate someone who is trying to copy you, you’re toast anyway.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-ries/if-you-can-t-out-iterate-someone-who-is-trying-to-copy-you-you-re/) [Eric Ries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-ries/) > [The theme of counterfeits, of those that produce and sell them, has always been part of the culture of M.I.A. When I was contacted…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-i-a/the-theme-of-counterfeits-of-those-that-produce-and-sell-them-has/) [M.I.A](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-i-a/) > [I can only listen to what I'm working on, at the time. I can't listen to anything else because I don't want to copy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimmy-page/i-can-only-listen-to-what-i-m-working-on-at-the-time-i-can-t-listen/) [Jimmy Page](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jimmy-page/) > [Ive never really tried to copy anyone, I like to have my own style.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liam-aiken/ive-never-really-tried-to-copy-anyone-i-like-to-have-my-own-style/) [Liam Aiken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liam-aiken/) > [You can never make copies without first consulting the BLUEPRINT!!!!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-can-never-make-copies-without-first-consulting-the-blueprint/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You've got to be able to copy things faithfully before you can deviate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/damien-hirst/you-ve-got-to-be-able-to-copy-things-faithfully-before-you-can-deviate/) [Damien Hirst](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/damien-hirst/) > [Since the model he so faithfully copies is not going to be hung up next to the picture... it is of no interest whether…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucian-freud/since-the-model-he-so-faithfully-copies-is-not-going-to-be-hung-up/) [Lucian Freud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucian-freud/) > [Mr. Trump is Mr. Trump. I'm Mr. Wilders. I'm not anybody's copy or whatsoever.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geert-wilders/mr-trump-is-mr-trump-i-m-mr-wilders-i-m-not-anybody-s-copy-or/) [Geert Wilders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geert-wilders/) > [Take notes. Everything is copy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nora-ephron/take-notes-everything-is-copy/) [Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nora-ephron/) > [If the headline is a good one, it is a relatively simple matter to write the copy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-caples/if-the-headline-is-a-good-one-it-is-a-relatively-simple-matter-to/) [John Caples](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-caples/) > [When something original works, then everyone wants to copy it. But if you're trying to do something that no one's ever seen before it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-carter/when-something-original-works-then-everyone-wants-to-copy-it-but-if/) [Chris Carter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-carter/) > [We are all born originals, why is it so many of us die copies?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-young/we-are-all-born-originals-why-is-it-so-many-of-us-die-copies/) [Edward Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-young/) > [A presentation copy...is a copy of a book whoch does not sell, sent you by the author, with his foolish autograph at the beginning…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-lamb/a-presentation-copy-is-a-copy-of-a-book-whoch-does-not-sell-sent-you/) [Charles Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-lamb/) > [Quotations--always inexact. I don't trust people who cannot even copy out.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-rostand/quotations-always-inexact-i-don-t-trust-people-who-cannot-even-copy/) [Jean Rostand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-rostand/) ## More by Arthur Darvill > [The Globe' is one of the most terrifying theatres in London. It's that mob element - everyone packed in and staring up at you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/the-globe-is-one-of-the-most-terrifying-theatres-in-london-it-s-that/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [You can only lead if the people that you're leading want to be led.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/you-can-only-lead-if-the-people-that-you-re-leading-want-to-be-led/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [It's really exciting to be a part of something new that's pushing boundaries.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/it-s-really-exciting-to-be-a-part-of-something-new-that-s-pushing/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [Broadchurch' is very different, but it's equally as good as 'The Killing' - if not better.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/broadchurch-is-very-different-but-it-s-equally-as-good-as-the-killing/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [I get to go to work and FaceTime my friends and family and go, "Hey, I'm just showing you around my spaceship!" It's great…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/i-get-to-go-to-work-and-facetime-my-friends-and-family-and-go-hey-i-m/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [I'm endlessly putting myself on tapes for things over in America! I'm always sitting at home, learning lines, sending stuff to America.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/i-m-endlessly-putting-myself-on-tapes-for-things-over-in-america-i-m/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [My dad bought me a guitar when I was very young, and I never looked back.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/my-dad-bought-me-a-guitar-when-i-was-very-young-and-i-never-looked/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [I think 'Breaking Bad' is brilliant. Good drama in the U.S. is also so funny and blurs the line between light and dark.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/i-think-breaking-bad-is-brilliant-good-drama-in-the-u-s-is-also-so/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [I did 'Little Dorrit' a few years ago; I really love doing period dramas. It's stuff like that I really enjoy watching.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/i-did-little-dorrit-a-few-years-ago-i-really-love-doing-period-dramas/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [I wouldn't steal anything because stealing is wrong. If I had to, I'd steal a caged bird and set it free.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/i-wouldn-t-steal-anything-because-stealing-is-wrong-if-i-had-to-i-d/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [Monday is great if I can spend it in bed. I'm a man of simple pleasures, really.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/monday-is-great-if-i-can-spend-it-in-bed-i-m-a-man-of-simple/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [I use music as therapy. Whenever I'm feeling angry or needing some 'me' time, which is quite regularly, I'll go and bang a piano…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/i-use-music-as-therapy-whenever-i-m-feeling-angry-or-needing-some-me/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [I didn't really have any aspirations to do TV when I first decided to be an actor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/i-didn-t-really-have-any-aspirations-to-do-tv-when-i-first-decided-to/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [When I was young, my mum was part of a brilliant puppet theatre that toured all over the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/when-i-was-young-my-mum-was-part-of-a-brilliant-puppet-theatre-that/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) > [I go to the Natural History Museum and look at the cage of stuffed starlings there. But my favourite thing is the big blue…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/i-go-to-the-natural-history-museum-and-look-at-the-cage-of-stuffed/) [Arthur Darvill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) [Explore all 17 Arthur Darvill quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/) ## More Copies quotes > [every being is unique.god neva creates carbon copies,he alys creates originals.he is truly a creator.he neva repeats.but man goes on living in imitation.we are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/every-being-is-unique-god-neva-creates-carbon-copies-he-alys-creates/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [My songs are like cheap Neil Young copies.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-bachman/my-songs-are-like-cheap-neil-young-copies/) [Randy Bachman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-bachman/) > [In that part of the book of my memory before the which is little that can be read, there is a rubric, saying, Incipit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dante-alighieri/in-that-part-of-the-book-of-my-memory-before-the-which-is-little-that/) [Dante Alighieri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dante-alighieri/) > [I remember being a kid and seeing the 'National Inquirer' at the grocery store checkout line. When somebody actually picked up a copy, it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rashida-jones/i-remember-being-a-kid-and-seeing-the-national-inquirer-at-the/) [Rashida Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rashida-jones/) > [The idea is not to copy nature, but to give a feeling of nature.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/piet-oudolf/the-idea-is-not-to-copy-nature-but-to-give-a-feeling-of-nature/) [Piet Oudolf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/piet-oudolf/) > [“When copies are free, you need to sell things that cannot be copied. Well, what can’t be copied? Trust, for instance.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-kelly/when-copies-are-free-you-need-to-sell-things-that-cannot-be-copied/) [Kevin Kelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-kelly/) > [Mr Witwould: "Pray, madam, do you pin up your hair with all your letters? I find I must keep copies." Mrs Millamant: "Only with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-congreve/mr-witwould-pray-madam-do-you-pin-up-your-hair-with-all-your-letters/) [William Congreve](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-congreve/) > [There have to be at least two copies of a photograph, otherwise it’s not a photograph.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-ruff/there-have-to-be-at-least-two-copies-of-a-photograph-otherwise-it-s/) [Thomas Ruff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-ruff/) > [In market research I did at Microsoft Corp. in the early 1990s, I estimated that the 'Wall Street Journal' took in about 75 cents…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathan-myhrvold/in-market-research-i-did-at-microsoft-corp-in-the-early-1990s-i/) [Nathan Myhrvold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathan-myhrvold/) > [Guys like Todd Bridges never overcame being a child star. You can't have any big failures. I've always felt regular. I played organized ball…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bow-wow/guys-like-todd-bridges-never-overcame-being-a-child-star-you-can-t/) [Bow Wow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bow-wow/) > [It was only after I had been out of the art school that I actually copied a small Seurat, and I copied it in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bridget-riley/it-was-only-after-i-had-been-out-of-the-art-school-that-i-actually/) [Bridget Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bridget-riley/) > [We call ourselves creators and we just copy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lauryn-hill/we-call-ourselves-creators-and-we-just-copy/) [Lauryn Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lauryn-hill/) > [People have one of two extreme reactions to my book. They either throw it across the room, or they rush out and buy 10…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/people-have-one-of-two-extreme-reactions-to-my-book-they-either-throw/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [A presentation copy...is a copy of a book whoch does not sell, sent you by the author, with his foolish autograph at the beginning…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-lamb/a-presentation-copy-is-a-copy-of-a-book-whoch-does-not-sell-sent-you/) [Charles Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-lamb/) > [We are all born originals, why is it so many of us die copies?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-young/we-are-all-born-originals-why-is-it-so-many-of-us-die-copies/) [Edward Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-young/) [Browse all 971 Copies quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/copies/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I'd rather do my own performance than copy someone else's.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Arthur Darvill" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/i-d-rather-do-my-own-performance-than-copy-someone-else-s/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Copies" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/i-d-rather-do-my-own-performance-than-copy-someone-else-s/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73f/arthur-darvill-30667_copies_i-d-rather-do-my-own-performance-than-co_1010482.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73f/arthur-darvill-30667_copies_i-d-rather-do-my-own-performance-than-co_1010482.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73f/arthur-darvill-30667_copies_i-d-rather-do-my-own-performance-than-co_1010482.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I'd rather do my own performance than copy someone else's.” — Arthur Darvill", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Arthur Darvill", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-darvill/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I'd rather do my own performance...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/i-d-rather-do-my-own-performance-than-copy-someone-else-s/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-darvill/i-d-rather-do-my-own-performance-than-copy-someone-else-s/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```