--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Invention, using the term most broadly…" description: "\"“Invention, using the term most broadly, and imitation, are the two legs, so to call them, on which the human race historically has walked.”\" — William..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c2/william-james-228_human-race_invention-using-the-term-most-broadly-an_284226.png" --- # Invention, using the term most broadly, and imitation, are… ![“Invention, using the term most broadly, and imitation, are the two legs, so to call them, on which the human race historically has walked.” quote by William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c2/william-james-228_human-race_invention-using-the-term-most-broadly-an_284226.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c2/william-james-228_human-race_invention-using-the-term-most-broadly-an_284226.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c2/william-james-228_human-race_invention-using-the-term-most-broadly-an_284226.png) > ““Invention, using the term most broadly, and imitation, are the two legs, so to call them, on which the human race historically has walked.”” [William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-james/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He likens invention and imitation to the two legs that have propelled human progress. **In simple terms:** Invention and imitation are both essential for advancement. Key Takeaway Balance creativity with learning from others. Themes innovation imitation progress Mood analytical inspirational Type philosophical educational When to use this quote - product design - artistic creation - scientific research Key Concepts human development learning creativity Questions to Reflect On - When should you prioritize invention over imitation? - How can you integrate both effectively? A Different Perspective Over‑reliance on imitation may stifle originality. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Historically Walked](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/historically-walked-2749022/) [Human race](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-race/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Imitation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imitation/) [Imitation Legs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imitation-legs-2749023/) [Innovation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/innovation/) [Invention](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/invention/) [Invention Using](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/invention-using-2749024/) [Legs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/legs/) [Race](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/race/) [Term](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/term/) [Two](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/two/) ## Related quotes > [Imitation is the first instinct of the awakening mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maria-montessori/imitation-is-the-first-instinct-of-the-awakening-mind/) [Maria Montessori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maria-montessori/) > [It is not imitation that makes sons. It is sonship that make imitators.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/it-is-not-imitation-that-makes-sons-it-is-sonship-that-make-imitators/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [A tragedy is the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself . . . with incidents…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aristotle/a-tragedy-is-the-imitation-of-an-action-that-is-serious-and-also-as/) [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) > [Acquiring knowledge is a form of imitation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/acquiring-knowledge-is-a-form-of-imitation/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Don't envy what people have, emulate what they did to have it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-fargo/don-t-envy-what-people-have-emulate-what-they-did-to-have-it/) [Tim Fargo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-fargo/) > [I said breathe. 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