Most of us have been trained to believe that there is safety in conformity.
Of course, it wasn’t sold to us like that.
Our training began when we were very young.
Rather, we were carefully taught to color within the lines.
To blend in with the crowd and not draw attention to ourselves.
To limit our opinions to what’s popular and to not make waves by questioning anyone in authority.
As adults, our training in conformity continues, although we sometimes fail to recognize it as such.
We’re told what words, ideas and voices we should embrace and which ones should be suppressed.
We’re told what attitudes and ideals we must hold and encouraged to punish those who stray beyond the boundaries of acceptable opinion.
The price for being a non-conformist can steep with consequences ranging from hate mail and insults to the canceling of one’s career and social standing.
Anyone who is determined to remain free in his own mind, will have to make peace with the reality that his lack of conformity will invite a degree of pain and loneliness.
So, why would anyone choose to leave the safety of the herd and risk the disapproval of others?
Rita Mae Brown answers that question like this:
“I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself.”
The price of a peaceful conscience and authentic character is directly tied to our willingness to break with the crowd.
You may also enjoy Latter-day Voices, another quality publication in the Fifty-two Seven Alliance family.
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