by Steve Martin

Created on: March 13, 2007   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

To conform to what, though. I was watching a TV documentary a couple of nights ago which stated that over 50% of the population suffered from some form of mental abnormality. Now, that implies that less than half the population is "normal". Obviously, this doesn't make sense - how can the norm be the minority?

The point I'm making is that there is no absolute of "the norm" to conform to. Thus, conform or not conforming depends upon the context. Would you to conform to a state like Nazi Germany? If six of you were stuck in a lifeboat miles from any shipping route, would you conform to the group rules? The answer is "no" to the first question (in order to ensure moral survival) and "yes" to the second (in order to ensure physical survival).

So, The answer is related to self-interest. To what extent does it suit your purpose to conform to the society in which you live? Do you share its values? Does conforming further your interests? If so, conform. If it doesn't don't.

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