by Andrei Yashurin

Created on: July 06, 2009

He that would be a man must first be a nonconformist', said Ralph Emerson. I believed it with all of my heart since I first heard this phrase. I repeated it a number of times in various contexts. I am still convinced that in order to be become fully grown individuals, we need to think for ourselves, to be originals rather than copies of others.

At the same time, we need to know that every true statement has its own limitations, and no statement could be taken as the final formula of how our life should be lived. This is why I would like to say a few words in defense of conformism.

Let us also note that there is no exact dividing line between conformism and non-conformism. These concepts are mostly subjective and relative. Especially it is true in our days, when the world is more diverse and pluralistic than ever. There are all kinds of opinions, points of view, and ways of life and the society learns to be more tolerant to those differences. So, no matter what you think or do, you will be a conformist for some groups, and a non-conformist for others. Perhaps, the best thing for you is not be bothered by their opinions. Just be yourself and follow your heart.

Let me give you three reasons why conformism might be good for you.

First, in the course of its evolution, the humanity developed useful rules of conduct. When we follow them, our life becomes easier in so many ways. Certainly, there is no need to believe that some ethical code is infallible or divinely ordained. Ethics is of human origin, and it certainly changes over the time. But it doesn't mean that we have a right to ignore it or to take it lightly.

The greatest ethical principle is the golden rule: Do to others what you would like to be done to you. We won't make a mistake by conforming ourselves to it.

Second, conformity gives us a learning experience we need.

It is virtually impossible to achieve mastery in any field of action without teachers and instructors. An individual might be talented, but every talent needs cultivation and guidance. This is why we come to teachers. And what do they say to us in the beginning?

Do as I do;
Repeat after me.

If you are so self-sufficient that you don't want to learn from great masters and outstanding achievers, you won't amount to anything. Even Emerson, who praised non-conformism, would never become an influential thinker without studying philosophers and writers of the past, such as Plato, Aristotle, Swedenborg, and Shakespeare.

In order to achieve mastery,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>