Would you frown upon me using many of your ideas and philosophies in public speaking arenas?

Ishmael’s directive to his student was: “Teach a hundred what I’ve taught you, and inspire each of them to teach a hundred.” Why would I frown on anyone for doing exactly that?

I’ve stressed over and over again in all my books that nothing less than changed minds is going to save the world as a human habitat. Besides that, you needn’t ask for permission to use anyone’s ideas; ideas as such are not protectable by copyright. Copyright protects texts—specific words in a specific order—not ideas.

Without asking anyone’s permission, you can right now incorporate all my ideas in speeches (or in a book of your own)—and I hope you do!

NOTE: However, it’s always appropriate to acknowledge where the ideas came from if they’re not your own. –RMQ

ID: 511
posted: 02 Jun 2001
updated: 02 Jun 2001