“To find yourself, think for yourself.” ― Socrates
The evolution of humanity does not advance through tribalism or collective hive mind. It’s driven by those who dare to be different. Independent thinkers, contrarians, nonconformists, rebels and outlaws are the fulcrum our evolution pivots upon. Folks like Confucius, Plato, Aristotle, Jesus, Copernicus, Nietzsche, Carlin and Abbey.
“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ― Rob Siltanen
Nonconformity is a prerequisite for innovation. Our future relies upon those who dare to be different. Humanity has become addicted to security, safety and comfort. It’s not hard to understand when you take a close look at the education, (or should I say indoctrination) system.
“They laugh at me because I’m different; I laugh at them because they’re all the same.” ― Kurt Cobain
Too bad there’s not a school for rebels, outlaws and nonconformists. Instead we just put anyone that doesn’t fit the collective mold on a prescription of Adderall, Ritalin or some other drug for one made up psychosis or another. It’s no wonder that society is brimming with drug addicts and our evolution has stalled out.
There’s not any exciting new art anymore. Have you noticed that all the movies that come out are just remakes of films from the past. Stick a few new Hollywood faces into the same tired plot line and call it entertainment – I’m not entertained. How many remakes of, “A Star is Born” are enough, (1937, 1954, 1976, 2018) or “King Kong”, (1933, 1976, 2005, 2017)? I’m not even going to venture into the reality TV arena. Bread and circuses. Nothing new under the sun, I suppose.
“I wore black because I liked it. I still do, and wearing it still means something to me. It’s still my symbol of rebellion — against a stagnant status quo, against our hypocritical houses of God, against people whose minds are closed to others’ ideas.” ― Johnny Cash
Safety and comfort are overrated. And they’re a mirage, like the cool lake you see in the desert under a noon day sun. They’re not real and they’re holding you back from the adventure and the journey you are seeking. Sickness and suffering permeates the Great Wide World; Widespread homelessness, filled to capacity, for-profit prisons, rampant alcoholism, opioid dependency, fentanyl crisis, propaganda fueled tyranny, unchecked crony capitalism, preposterous consumerism and the list goes on.
I know you can see it. Perhaps you buy into the old adage “Go Along to Get Along.” It’s a natural human trait, to want to fit in with the group, the tribe. We’ve been doing it since the “Clan of the Cave Bear” days. Conformity leads to positive feelings, attachments and solidarity, which motivates you to continue your behavior. But when you look around and see what it’s wrought, you realize that we’re not getting along very well. Being healthy in a supremely sick society with backward values and no moral compass, requires eccentricity.
Perhaps it’s time to put your outlaw hat on and get a little bat-shit crazy. It may seem crazy to question authority, primarily because your domestication protocol included numerous lessons on why the experts, the politicians, the medical industry and the university professors know better than you about what’s best for you. They don’t. In fact they don’t know shit, at least most of them. They’ve been propagandized, the same as you. Craving the comfort and security of the herd. There are a few rebels and outlaws out there, mostly comedians. They’re the only ones you can trust to tell you the truth.
“Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.” ― George Carlin
Stretch you comfort zone until it snaps. It’s better to be uncomfortable and free, than comfortable and stuck. Better to pursue dangerous adventure than languish in routine. Better to be a contrarian, a comedian or a clown, than suffer the delusions of the herd. Like Janis sang; “Freedom’s just another word, for nothing left to lose.” Delight in that freedom. “Dare to be Different.”