The generosity of ideas.

"I see I have made myself a slave to Philosophy, but if I get free of Mr Linus’s business I will resolutely bid adew to it eternally, excepting what I do for my private satisfaction or leave to come out after me. For I see a man must either resolve to put out nothing new or become a slave to defend it."

-Isaac Newton

(via www.youmightfindyourself.com)

Is that fair? Must we defend our ideas? Really our ideas only require defence or assertion in our own view, not in any one else's. That's kind of impossible anyway, convincing someone of your own point of view entirely, or if it is possible, it seems wrong. Ideas are only real for you when they are unique to you I reckon, and when you acknowledge this uniqueness.