mark on "All Creative Work Is Derivative"

"The whole history of human culture evolves through copying, making tiny transformations (sometimes called "errors") with each replication. Copying is the engine of cultural progress. It is not "stealing." It is, in fact, quite beautiful, and leads to a cultural diversity that inspires awe."

http://questioncopyright.org/minute_memes/all_creative_work_is_derivative

Do read the article.