There’s a philosophical/ social behavior theory that says no thought is entirely unique. Due to our social history, we all have the information or skill to develop certain innovations. There is some sort of social bonds or collective consciousness going on among the people. That’s why, for example, say a group of scientists in Japan could be working on something, a couple of students back in America could have proposed the idea already, both without knowing about the other. Interesting if you consider electricity, engines, water transportation, clothes, or even fire, and how multiple “discoverers” are credited for it. There is no one source, the information is all in a collective, much like how fluther is haha.
It’s just a theory, I forgot what specific name it is called, but it’s interesting none the less.