Being Different

I think it's ironic that people are harassed for being different. They're told they are wrong. They need to be corrected and there are plenty of people who are more than happy to offer those corrections.

The irony is that it is the person who is different that has a chance of being recognized. Once you get recognized, that will start the cycle of self-reinforcing fame, which will make you special and great and loved. Then everybody who criticized you will be singing your praises for being different in a good way.

The large majority of people who give you advice (especially unsolicited advice) aren't trying to make you better; they're trying to make you average. They want you to look and sound like everybody else does. That's safe and comfortable and already proven to be good. And to add more irony, that is the last thing you want.

I've said it before and I will say it again. The worst thing you can possibly be is average. If you can't be the absolute best, be the absolute worst. The important thing is that you're being different (and that you're being you).