William S. Burroughs "The Cut-Up Method"

The "cut-up" method that Burroughs talks about in this article lends itself to the idea of collaging and using existing work to create something new. It also suggests a way that everyone can get involved in the process. Anyone can take a favorite poem, type it up then cut it into pieces and rearrange the words to form a new or revamped piece of work. The "cut-up" method seems to be a way to take what we already have and improve upon it or give it new life. It also creates a randomness that opens up a flood gate of multiple possibilities. Burroughs writes about how many artists, photographer and writers say that some of theier best work happens by accident. The "cut-up" method provides the stage or opportunity for those accidents to happen. The whole idea relates very closely to human nature. People always have the desire to take the old and make it new again. This process gives everyone the ability to do that. I think the "cut-up" method frees up the creative minds and gives it room to randomly explore other posssibilities that may not have been attempted or stumbled upon in another incidence. I wonder though if this process provides validation for the theory that there are no truly original ideas left in the world?