I know this is an earlier discussion; I'm finally getting around to comment! Being "original" is a concept that has "evolved" for me. When I was in elementary and middle school, I soooo wanted to be like everyone else. I wanted to "fit in." (I don't know why I thought I didn't fit in; but I guess there must have been a reason.) Anyway, by the time I was in high school, I decided I was who I was and there wasn't anything that was ever going to change that. So, I reconciled with myself to just be me, whoever I was, and live with that. WoW! What a change that decision made in my life! I wouldn't say "suddenly" but it seemed like that, I was making friends everywhere, people were talking to me. I didn't feel as if I was on the outside looking in. By the time I went to college, I was "original." There is no one like me! I have a particular personality, I have intelligent thoughts to contribute, and I don't have to "keep up with the joneses" to make friends! Conclusion: To "be original" means to me to just be myself and not be influenced by others. Of course, I take in all the media hype, the politics, etc; but they don't dictate my life. I'm who I am within the confines of the law and moral standards I set for myself; and that seems to be good enough for my friends! MINDSET is the key word! What you think of yourself is reflected in your thoughts and body language and how you draw other people to you. That's being original! :)