Imitation is bad. We have many things to learn from other people and nations. As long as we live, so long do we learn. The man who says he has nothing more to learn is already at his last gasps. The nation that says it knows everything is on the brink of destruction. But one point to note here is that when we take anything from others, we must mould it after our own way. We shall add to our stock what other have to teach, but we must always be careful to keep intact what is essentially our won.

None can teach another. All of us have to realize the truth and work it out ourselves. We must struggle to be strong, stand on our feet, thinking our own thoughts.

Another important point to remember is that imitation is not civilization, it never makes for progress. It is the sign of degradation in man. We have very many things to learn from others, yes. Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it; so not become others.

Take the example of a seed put in the ground. The earth, air and water placed around it. Does the seed become the earth, air or water? No. It becomes a plant; it develops after the laws of its own growth. Assimilates the air, earth and water, converts that into plant substance and grows into a plant. Similarly each must assimilate the spirit of the others and yet preserves his individuality and grow according to his own law of growth.