"Les poètes immatures imitent les poètes matures volent"

Simplified Meaning:

When someone is new at writing poetry, they often try to copy the style and themes of others. This means they create work that looks and feels a lot like the poems they've read. In contrast, experienced or mature poets don’t just copy; they take inspiration from what they admire and make it their own. They blend the ideas they’ve borrowed with their own creativity to produce something unique and original. For example, consider a young painter who wants to create great art. At first, she might closely mimic famous paintings, trying to learn how to paint. On the other hand, a seasoned artist might see a famous artwork, grasp its essence, and then create a piece that incorporates ideas from the old painting but transformed in a way that’s entirely new and personal. Applying this to everyday life, if you're learning a new skill, it's okay to start by copying techniques from others. But as you become more skilled, try to integrate what you’ve learned into your own unique style. This approach can help you develop your own voice and stand out in your field, instead of just being a copy of someone else.