People can steal ideas but ways of thinking are peskier.
It’s short tail versus long tail. The stolen idea is like the last few dollars in a bank account: the cash is helpful now but it doesn’t provide the same level of comfort as a deposit schedule.
The stolen idea pays some small immediate dividend but the forecast for more inspiration is bleak.
When we worry about a ‘borrowed idea’ our ego flares & practicality goes out the window.
Let them borrow it.
Our ways of thinking are not on offer.