Question posed by @jacewat:
"Do you believe that there is anything in this world that is original anymore?"
Contemporary society is enshrouded in ever advancing technology, making educational resources more widespread than ever before in history. On paper, one would expect this to correlate with a rise in independent thought, an advancement of novel ideas, a surge of new literature, and unprecedented progress in scientific areas... results similar to those observed during the Renaissance era across Europe beginning in the 1300s. In recent years, the human race has lived up to some of such expectations, but many may contend that our rate of growth is not proportional to what it should be given the immense knowledge that each of us now possess at our fingertips within our smart phones.
Popular View of the Independent Thinker
Revolutionaries across disciplines are all revered for their ability to find something that the whole world was unaware that it was in need of. Entrepreneurs are a group that immediately comes to mind for many... Jobs, Bezos, Musk, Zuckerberg... All brilliant people in their own respects. They were able to find a market for something that did not exist yet and create it. Not only did they believe in their product -- they believed in their ability to change the world.
The Every Day Independent Thinker
While the vast majority of mankind does not find itself in such positions, we independent thinking strategies can be implemented within every day circles. A practice endorsed by clinical psychologist Dr. Jordan B. Peterson is the observation of ones thoughts and speech in order to determine the origin of ideas that one is professing. Are they truly unique, or are they somebody else's that you are simply repeating... they likely heard it somewhere else as well. Through this, one is really able to examine themselves from a new perspective and become hyperaware of their consciousness. One can truly become cognizant of their own feelings, thoughts, and opinions with such an exercise. Those who are able to think freely are able to contribute authentic perspective and are much more valuable, much more potent, much more dangerous than those who lack such a skill.
The Domain of Art
Art, in its most inclusive definition -- encompassing visual, literary, and performance aspects -- can be abstracted in a way to represent the physical manifestation individual. Original thoughts, sounds, scenes, and feelings are captured through literary works, musical performances, visual commissions, as well as in many other forms. Though every work has its own influence, drawing from others past and present, ultimately only one person would be able to create the end product. Every individual has a different ideal for the canvas, an ideal mix for the recording, an ideal touch with the brush, an ideal frame and angle for the photo. While some may criticize this aspect of the arts, citing that because of this fact there is no way to judge the value and quality of such art... the same fact can be looked at through an opposing lens, one that appreciates the input of each individual, that allows them to make their own sperate judgements and allows for free creation of their own. The expression of the authentic self through artistry is the embodiment of originality in art.
Does Originality Exist Today?
I think there is substantial evidence that original thought still exists in our society, in technological advancements, in novel innovations, in free thinkers challenging established beliefs or practices, in the discipline of art, as well as numerous other overlooked areas. One may be discouraged logging into social media or turning on conventical news networks at the sight of regurgitation and recycling of stale ideas that were really not the work of those who are touting them so strongly. Despite this though, I am of the opinion that originality is still possible to observe in others. It is through careful reflection and thought that we can find it within ourselves.