Own Yourself

“The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.”

― Friedrich Nietzsche 

I have found myself at the center of a lot of heated battles over not what I think and what my opinion is but because the basic fact I think and have an opinion in the first place. And it is exaggerated by the fact that my perspective to look at things is different, hence my opinions are bound to be different as well, which is the whole point of being individualistic. 

What bothers others is beyond me. For me it is not with a few people but with lots of them, which makes me think if I am driving on the wrong lane and the problem is with me or if we as a society have bred the thought that difference in opinion or even having one, is condescending. Being individualistic does make one lonely. Maybe, as a society we have to understand that it is not just the like minded that has to befriended but any individual who has an opinion is to be respected as well. If we would throw everyone who has a point of view which is different than ours, out what will be left is different bodies with same mind. Nothing new will be accomplished.

Its not about being right or wrong, having an opinion means one is able to articulate his thoughts and interpret it in terms of expressions. This is the primary stage of development of an individual. Having the right direction and approach towards this process comes afterwards with life experiences and education. If we are to weed out all the motivation and joy out of being able to think, that will mark the beginning of our own decline.