Economic Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

Abstract

Just as a nation cannot forever contain invention and innovation, it also cannot prevent its imitators from replicating its innovations elsewhere. Corporations cannot patent an economic or business system, although some have tried. Just as humans are free to pursue happiness, so they are free to pursue any innovation that makes their lives easier or puts more food on their table.

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.⁶³

(Confucius, China’s most famous teacher, philosopher, and political theorist, 551–479 BCE)