Aspiring artists once learned by meticulously copying masterworks, a process that fostered understanding of quality and technique. Today, the rapid advancement of AI tools has bypassed this crucial developmental step in learning to create valuable work. When AI-generated output feels inauthentic, it diminishes the perceived quality, leading to blame directed at both the tools and their users. To address this, the article revisits the insights of Anna Laetitia Barbauld and Richard Bentley, forgotten thinkers offering guidance on voice and intent. Barbauld, an 18th-century educator, emphasized imitation as a fundamental stage for developing originality, believing the mind must first be "fed by imitation before it can create." She taught students to begin by copying existing works to internalize structure and style.Concurrently, Richard Bentley, a classical scholar, developed a keen ability to detect forgeries by analyzing stylistic inconsistencies. He treated style as evidence, recognizing that voice leaves a traceable pattern. Bentley could identify when a piece "didn't belong" by examining syntax, references, and structural coherence. Applying their wisdom, the article argues that simply urging AI adoption without defining its proper use hinders genuine skill development. Instead of providing templates and mandates, we need to teach what constitutes quality work with AI assistance.The suspicion surrounding AI-generated content can lead to individuals avoiding its use and seeking less ambitious outcomes. To foster effective AI integration, clear guidelines and constructive feedback are essential, enabling individuals to cultivate their unique voices. Barbauld's approach highlights guided imitation as a path to fluency and understanding, while Bentley offers a method for critically analyzing style and voice. By learning from these thinkers, we can move beyond suspicion towards systems that support genuine authorship and the development of authentic voice and style in an AI-assisted world.