ecstacy of influence

I find that Lethem is making a point about plagiarism that isn't necessarily focused solely on plagiarism alone. My interpretation of his words are that drawing from the texts and words of other figures is not necessarily plagiarism, but rather a means to draw on the various avenues available to people that others have offered. Works and writings are for people to read and apply, not read and discard. In that sense, writings SHOULD be used much more often than we're taught not to. Sometimes, pulling from the words and phrases of others actually helps best explain or express one's thoughts and ideas. Sometimes it is best to make use of what already exists to better come up with an original conclusion. Personally, I always found it difficult to balance my research papers when my teacher would say to be as original as possible, but back up everything I say with a quote and evidence from another text. The only way to back up my words would be to use the words of someone else. I can't make a fully original point because if it's COMPLETELY original, then that means I'm the first one to think of that point, therefore I can't back it up because no one else will have written about it! I always found it confusing how limited I am in being original when everything has to be traced back to someone else's writing, and yet I had to find away to keep plagiarism under 10%. Plagiarism, in my interpretation of Lethem's words, is literally copying from someone else in the hopes that someone believes it's your original writing. Plagiarism isn't plagiarism if all the information is used to make a point, even if 99% of your work is drawn from someone else. Writings are made to be used, not discarded or ignored.