We live in a day and age that constantly reminds you that some things are not quite as they seem. This realization, or my perception of it, marks a journey of growth, an ever-changing understanding that is always in flux as I constantly look back.
Cryptomnesia lurks in the shadows of our creative processes, often unnoticed. It occurs when an individual unknowingly retrieves a memory or an idea and perceives it as new. This phenomenon can range from a minor oversight, like forgetting the source of a fact, to significant instances of unintentional plagiarism.
The concept was introduced by psychologists Alan Brown and Dana Murphy in 1989. Through their study, they highlighted how frequently we might claim ownership of ideas that are not originally ours. This realization isn't just about recognizing a psychological phenomenon; it's a call to examine how our minds work and how they shape our perceptions of originality and innovation.
Famous Cases in History
One of the most notable examples of cryptomnesia occurred in music. George Harrison, a Beatles member, faced a lawsuit over his song "My Sweet Lord," which bore striking similarities to the Chiffons' "He's So Fine." Harrison acknowledged he had heard the Chiffons' song before but claimed he had not intentionally plagiarized it. The court ruled this a case of subconscious plagiarism, highlighting how deeply ingrained and unnoticed cryptomnesia can be in creative endeavors.
Late last year, I found myself delving into the concept of cryptomnesia. It is described as a subtle yet profound psychological phenomenon that reflects the intricate workings of our minds and the collective consciousness of our societies.
"Any experience the writer has ever suffered," William Faulkner told a university audience in 1958, "is going to influence what he does, and that is not only what he's read, but the music he's heard, the pictures he's seen." This notion — that "our" ideas are the combinatorial product of all kinds of existing ideas we've absorbed while being alive and awake to the world.
For me, it has come to represent a crucial intersection of creativity, memory, and self-perception, raising compelling questions that I ponder over and over again.
How much of what we consider original is genuinely new?
How often are our 'new' ideas simply fragments of forgotten memories?
To what extent are our most innovative concepts merely echoes of past trials, resurfacing unknowingly in our minds?
Are we simply repeating ourselves?
Ideas of past ideas
In Bitcoin, ideas easily become the currency of progress, and intellectual capital holds immense value among developers, builders, and companies in the ecosystem.
Companies, especially all, place great importance on their individuals' and organizations' knowledge, creativity, and innovative capabilities. Each individual and organization is recognized for their unique contributions to the collective intellectual wealth of Bitcoin.
However, the phenomenon of cryptomnesia presents a unique challenge here.
Why?
It occurs when one inadvertently recycles an old idea, mistaking it for a new one. This compromises the originality of creations and puts the credibility of all our intellectual efforts at risk.
Reputational capital, which hinges on trust, reliability, and ethical conduct, is equally important. It calls for treating people with fairness and humility. In this context, cryptomnesia can lead to unintentional ethical lines crossed, such as failing to acknowledge the ideas of others, which can gradually diminish one's reputational standing in a small ecosystem.
Therefore, being vigilant about cryptomnesia becomes essential in an ecosystem where short memory, long creativity, and mutual ethics intersect. It's about more than just avoiding unintentional plagiarism; it's about fostering a culture of authenticity and respect.
By diligently tracing the origins of our ideas and being mindful of our influences, we uphold the authenticity of our creative endeavors and reinforce the trust and respect that form the foundation of our reputational capital within the Bitcoin community.
🕊 With grace.
No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings. - William Blake
