Emerson asserts that “Shakespeare will never be made by the study of Shakespeare.” He later points out that great individuals who in any way resemble Socrates or Anaxagoras will never be followers of Socrates or Anaxagoras. This paradox is linked to the idea that “imitation is suicide.” The more one follows the great individuals of history, admires them, and relies on their opinions, the less one will resemble them. Socrates did not rely on the authority of philosophers before him but thought for himself and founded an original philosophy. Those who quote Socrates now are the ones who have failed to learn this central lesson from him.

This point about the paradox of imitation occurs several times in the essay, each time referring to a different area of influence. For instance, Emerson says that nineteenth-century Americans copy ancient European styles of art and architecture, whereas the men who originated those styles would never have thought of imitating anyone else. He also makes the related point that educated Americans think they will learn something important by travelling to Greece and Rome, whereas the men who built those great civilizations never left home unless they were compelled to do so.