--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The idea of copyright did not exist in…" description: "\"The idea of copyright did not exist in ancient times, when authors frequently copied other authors at length in works of non-fiction. This practice was..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/272/richard-stallman-4048_ancient_the-idea-of-copyright-did-not-exist-in-a_2736836.jpg" --- # The idea of copyright did not exist in ancient times, when… ![“The idea of copyright did not exist in ancient times, when authors frequently copied other authors at length in works of non-fiction. This practice was useful, and is the only way many authors' works have survived even in part.” quote by Richard Stallman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/272/richard-stallman-4048_ancient_the-idea-of-copyright-did-not-exist-in-a_2736836.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/272/richard-stallman-4048_ancient_the-idea-of-copyright-did-not-exist-in-a_2736836.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/272/richard-stallman-4048_ancient_the-idea-of-copyright-did-not-exist-in-a_2736836.jpg) > “The idea of copyright did not exist in ancient times, when authors frequently copied other authors at length in works of non-fiction. This practice was useful, and is the only way many authors' works have survived even in part.” [Richard Stallman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-stallman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Historically, copying was essential for knowledge survival; modern copyright restricts this. **In simple terms:** Copying once helped ideas survive; now copyright limits it. Key Takeaway Advocate for open sharing of knowledge. Themes knowledge sharing copyright history open source collaboration Mood analytical advocacy Type technology ethics legal analysis When to use this quote - legal reform - educational resources - open licensing - community projects Key Concepts public domain fair use software freedom Questions to Reflect On - How does copyright affect your field? - What alternatives support open sharing? A Different Perspective Restrictive laws can hinder innovation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ancient](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ancient/) [Ancient times](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ancient-times/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Copyright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/copyright/) [Fiction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fiction/) [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [Non fiction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/non-fiction/) [Practice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/practice/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [In ancient times, those who wished to illuminate the world with virtue first brought order to their nations. 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