Round Table China Can success be copied?
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Feb 19, 2026 A retelling of a Zhuangzi tale about a man who copies others and loses his own way. Short debates on whether imitation leads to true progress or quiet self-betrayal. Conversations about risks of online glamour, the hidden grind behind success, and when copying proven models can save time. A focus on learning selectively: borrow useful methods but stay committed to your own path.
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The Handan Walking Story
- A young man traveled to Handan and tried to copy elegant walkers step-for-step until he lost his own way of walking.
- He practiced obsessively, became clumsy, ran out of money, and crawled home in shame.
Internet Multiplies Attractive Models
- Steve Hatherly observes the internet multiplies models of glamorous success and makes imitation easier than ever.
- This abundance of examples increases the risk of losing personal direction by chasing others' polished outcomes.
Adapt Rather Than Copy
- Learn from successful examples selectively and adapt their principles to your context instead of copying them exactly.
- Use lessons to avoid mistakes and fit strategies to your own goals like investors studying Buffett's principles.