I think originality is a relatively new concept in human thought. The Sanskrit book I’m reading at the moment ha a startlingly new interpretation of an ancient school of philosophy but the author takes pains to note that he is not saying anything new but merely recovering the “true meaning” which was lost a long time ago. Or think of all the medieval forgeries which were attributed to Aristotle or some other ancient author.

Valuing innovation over continuity is one of the distinguishing features of modernity versus traditional cultures.