I've been to the cinema with a friend today, and afterwards we talked. And one of the things we talked of was, not surprisingly, stories.
What I think now — and what I would have said had I the chance to think a bit more, or yet again maybe I wouldn't, because me talking and me writing are two different people — is this. We all live in the same material world, and sometimes it tells us things. Those who listen and watch in a like manner, hear and see some of the same things. Or maybe get the part of the message they're capable of getting, if you like to put it that way. Consequently, those who want to not only listen but also tell, sometimes construct their stories of elements that are so much alike, that at first glance you almost want to accuse one of stealing the idea.
But I think that most of the time there's no point in getting jealous or disappointed when you hear two stories that bear the same traits — even a whole lot of the same traits. There's no real reason to be bitter about somebody stealing somebody else's ideas, because that never really happens.
There is, though, a reason to look around and see for yourself what created those stories. What small bits and pieces of reality went into them. And to wonder at the miracle of human mind: how united and yet different we are.
Anyway, did I ever tell you that I actually happen to have an answer to The Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything? Well, one of them? Were're here to watch the stars and tell the stories. "Keep it simple, stupid". (c)