Jiri Around the World

I remember one experience from my childhood very clearly. We were supposed to draw a picture for a drawing contest. I have never been good at drawing but I loved Tatra trucks, particularly because at that time they were running this “Tatra Around the World” project (probably trying to prove that trucks from a communist country can beat just about anything), so to me, the choice as to what I should draw was clear-cut. My best friend struggled a little but eventually he drew the same thing and made it to the next round of the contest with his “Tatra Around the World”.

I was upset and bitterly disappointed. I couldn't fathom that as, understandably, my Tatra resembled the original more, but most importantly, it was MY idea to draw it.

This feeling has cropped up since then countless of times. I dare say I don't lack creativity and that is one of the reasons why I love teaching. I hated it when I didn't have much support for my ideas in my previous jobs but I equally hate when other people either steal the idea and make it seem their own or use it without any acknowledgement such as “Thank you, Jiri. It's a great idea. I really like it.” After all, the ideas didn't come to me without any work.

But then I can feel the message which is saying: “Not all ideas are yours, you were merely given these first in a particular moment. Rather, you should feel proud others copy these ideas. That's the utmost acknowledgement as it is as sincere as it could be.” So I'll try to learn to give up the ownership feeling and like it since I guess it'll stay with me for a while.