Resisiting Compliance to Popular Belief

"It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude" (423).

As a singular entity, each individual must take it upon himself to formulate his own set of values and beliefs. In times of meditation, one is able to compose his own ideas in the absence of exterior influence. It is in these times that ones true thoughts and opinions develop. The fear of rejection and criticism does not weigh heavy on the mind as it does in the presence of others. The comfort level that one feels with himself allows the individual to think without the worry of how others may perceive their ideas. The nurturing and maturation of ones beliefs is phenomenal during the alone times in which they commune with their inner thoughts. However, when one finds him or herself mixed in with the crowd, it is not always as easy to stay true to their own views. The thoughts and ideas of others easily influence their own. In many cases, the apprehension concerning exclusion and acceptance by a certain group of people dictates the views of the individual. Society today thrives on trends and fads. The community as a whole falls into a false confidence in the popular principles. The “in thing” holds esteem to all other ideas. In order to receive favorable acceptance into the general population, people modify their ideas to conform to the fashionable ones supported by the modern culture. People wrap themselves in the contemporary views and lose their own in the hustle and bustle that accompanies everyday life. While complying with dominant views is simplest, it is the most regrettable. One adheres to his own views in times of solitude and to the views of the multitude in times of assembly with the masses. The commendable individual is one who clings to his own opinions while all around him try to steal them away. The one who stands strong against the negative influence of others and endures the torments that result from his resilience is the one that deserves praise from us all. He who establishes his position and remains committed to it is an example worthy of follow. The sharing and discussing of ideas amongst people is respectable and encouraged as long as one does not stray too far from his own point of view. It is common for individuals to slightly alter their opinions, but it is important to carefully consider and contemplate the new ideas placed before them prior to any adjustments they feel compelled to make. Staying true to ones own outlook proves most beneficial in a world that constantly strives to cultivate the majority into a single group that is just known as common. This collective nature contradicts prized characteristics such as individuality and uniqueness. The miscellaneous personalities, beliefs, and ideas of people compose the illustrious world that we know and love. Without these differences, the world would deteriorate from this eminent diverse quantity of people to a humdrum, uninspired mass.