Fellow Non-Conformist (or aspiring Non-Conformist) 👋🏾
Here are this week’s resources, with which I hope to encourage you to continue resisting mindless conformity, or to motivate you to stop conforming mindlessly:
(Click on the book title to buy or read a sample of the book.)
The Wave by Todd Strasser
The Wave is a thought-provoking novel based on true events. It follows Mr. Ben Ross, a history teacher who conducts an experiment called “The Wave” to teach his students about conformity and fascism. As the movement gains popularity, students become enthralled, seeking a sense of belonging and power.
However, as “The Wave” intensifies, it takes a dark turn, leading to blind obedience and intolerance. Through the perspective of Laurie, the story highlights the dangers of unchecked conformity and the importance of individuality. Tensions rise, friendships are tested, and the students confront the consequences of their actions.
The novel serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to think critically and resist the allure of conformity. It explores the power of authority, the need for independent thought, and the repercussions of surrendering personal responsibility.
A longer summary of the novel, 5 quotes, 5 key takeaways, and 5 actionable tips, which I expanded on, are in the latest issue of The Individual™
Are You a Weirdo?
The origins of the word weird are themselves rather weird. It can be traced back to the word wyrd, whose meaning is less about being a strange outsider and more associated with fate, perhaps even going back to a goddess who controlled human destiny?
Conformity to the group may be part of the left brain’s modus operandi, but something motivates us to be different too. There is something enticing and freeing about expressing our inner weirdness, which has long been a hallmark of artists and creators. In this way, letting our weirdness out can be another tool to access our right brain, moving beyond the left brain’s limited illusion of self.
Remember, you have the freedom to embrace your weirdness and to follow your own path, which need not be confined by the limitations and rules of the problem-solving left brain. I encourage you to follow the weirdness of your path into deeper, murkier, more fertile territory.
One powerful way to expose the left brain’s limitations and release your bondage to social conformity is to practice being different. Let your weirdness out.
Practice: Let Your Weirdness Out
Go somewhere that no one goes, like an alleyway or the forgotten corner of a cemetery. Or go somewhere that lots of people go but do something different there (for example, bring a book to an amusement park, draw in a sketchbook at church, or dance in a public square). Go barefoot. Climb a tree. When everyone is sitting but you feel like standing, stand.… Wear colours that don’t “go together.” (All colours go together.)…
Remember, you only think you know what others are thinking. Perhaps, rather than making fun of you, they will envy your weirdness and your courage to express your individuality. Plus, even if they are thinking negative thoughts about you, these thoughts aren’t even coming from who they truly are. It is just a program in their head controlling who they think they are, producing judgmental thoughts that they have little control over.
— Chris Niebauer, The No Self, No Problem Workbook
That’s all for this week. I look forward to serving you again next week. In the meantime, feel free to follow Dangers of Conformity™ on Twitter, where I tweet a few times every day, celebrating individuality and condemning mindless conformity.
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Mokokoma Mokhonoana
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