'What is Original?'

Even the most original ideas are essentially remixes.  When is copying flattery, when is it thievery, and when is it sheer genius? In this week's episode, TED speakers explore how sampling, borrowing, and riffing make all of us innovators.

Sampling music isn't about "hijacking nostalgia wholesale," says DJ Mark Ronson. It's about inserting yourself into the narrative of a song while also pushing that story forward.

Filmmaker Kirby Ferguson says nothing is original and that our most celebrated creators steal ideas and transform them into something new.

Clothing designs aren't protected by copyright and the industry benefits by being more innovative, says Johanna Blakley.  

Earlier this year, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk decided to give away his company's patents for free. It might seem like a strange business move, but Musk said he wanted to inspire creativity and accelerate innovation. Writer Steven Johnson says this is the way great ideas have been born throughout history. 

The NPR TED Radio Hour on Newstalk 106-108 FM, this Sunday from 6pm.

Listen back to TED Radio hour 'What is Original?' here.