--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To imitate nature involves the verb to…" description: "\"“To imitate nature involves the verb to do. To copy is merely to reflect something already there, inertly: Shakespeare's mirror is all that is needed f..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea3/william-carlos-williams-1841_art_to-imitate-nature-involves-the-verb-to-d_1412762.png" --- # To imitate nature involves the verb to do. To copy is… ![“To imitate nature involves the verb to do. To copy is merely to reflect something already there, inertly: Shakespeare's mirror is all that is needed for it. But by imitation we enlarge nature itself, we become nature or we discover in ourselves nature's active part.” quote by William Carlos Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea3/william-carlos-williams-1841_art_to-imitate-nature-involves-the-verb-to-d_1412762.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea3/william-carlos-williams-1841_art_to-imitate-nature-involves-the-verb-to-d_1412762.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea3/william-carlos-williams-1841_art_to-imitate-nature-involves-the-verb-to-d_1412762.png) > ““To imitate nature involves the verb to do. To copy is merely to reflect something already there, inertly: Shakespeare's mirror is all that is needed for it. But by imitation we enlarge nature itself, we become nature or we discover in ourselves nature's active part.”” [William Carlos Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-carlos-williams/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Imitation is active creation that expands nature, while mere copying merely reflects it without change. **In simple terms:** Copying reflects; imitation creates and expands. Key Takeaway Seek to transform rather than just mirror. Themes creativity nature artistic process Mood thoughtful inspirational Type philosophical creative When to use this quote - writing practice - artistic inspiration - teaching - innovation Key Concepts active creation transformation Questions to Reflect On - How can you turn imitation into personal expression? - What does “active nature” mean to you? A Different Perspective Imitation can become stagnant if not infused with personal insight. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Copy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/copy/) [Imitate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imitate/) [Imitate Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imitate-nature-345128/) [Imitation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imitation/) [Mirror](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mirror/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shakespeare/) [Verb Copy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/verb-copy-4982143/) ## Related quotes > [Why should I copy this owl, this sea urchin? Why should I try to imitate nature? 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Just feel your own way and don't bother about what others say. 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