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Creativity, the drive to invent something new and unique, is rooted in nonconformity. Where there is conflict, disparity, or lack, answers are not usually found in the norm. Rather, solutions for big problems require creative thinking and big new ideas.

What I have learned from living in several distinctly different cultures is this: Each one has its own unique group think and a general need in the people within it to fit in. Some cultures are less xenophobic than others; they will welcome an outsider more readily. Groups tend to view outsiders as a threat to their agreed upon consensual rules.

I propose a challenge for you. Pretend for a day or two that you are not part of your culture, and observe it as objectively as possible. What makes it tick? With what cultural factors do you agree or disagree? Critically observe yourself, and assess the ways in which you adapt (or don’t) to the groupthink and behavior.

Believe in your own wisdom, speak it, and live it. Let’s be careful not to lose our individuality, critical thinking skills, and creativity. These are valued in an evolved society.

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Society’s Boxes is an excerpt from Becoming Bigger: In a world that wants to keep you small.

Why Would I?

Why would I want
to be like
everybody else?
Ever?
By some miracle
of Creation,
I am unique,
I came here to
make my own
contributions to
life, society,
and humanity.

If you and I
think like
everybody else,
we all become
a goopy,
boring,
stagnant,
uncreative,
unproductive,
homogenized,
mishmash of
conformist
hive minds
wearing the same hat.

Why would I?
Why would you?

Why Would I? is an excerpt from The Samurai’s Pen.