To Whom It May Concern:
It is with regret that I look upon mankind. Regret that I can do nothing, in part, but to a larger extent regret that my helplessness is accepted and nurtured by society. It is with this growing, though partially unwilling, cynicism that I write to you.
We are brought up either as conformists, wishful conformists, or non-conformists. The sad reality, however, is that a major role in developing any of the above mindsets is a direct causation of the parenting skills of those who brought us into existence. Regardless, this does leave room for redemption (or perhaps, corruption). Our upbringings do not always brand us for life. I've been told that I sometimes have too much faith in any given human nature's ability to change. And though you may find this to be true, do not dismiss my words as the ramblings of a lunatic. Though by all qualifications I may meet those standards.
If we are to be brought up to be conformists, it is because we asked to be such. Never having grown out of a desire to have what others have, conformists continue to act fully on their selfish desires, allowing them access into a crowd that cannot succeed beyond that which they conform to.
For reasons inevitable, there are those who wish to conform but cannot. Wishful conformists exist to bridge an otherwise nearly uncrossable gap. However, as they are unable to live a content life without conforming to societal norms, these wishfuls coexist only with a natural desire for acceptance that will only continue to bring them lower.
It takes a conscious and bold effort to defy that which is set before us by society. Non-conformism is not the act of rejection of all conformist ideals. No, non-conformism is merely ridding oneself of conformist shackles that restrain one from truly being able to excel in life. It is being able to conform enough to hold the qualities necessary to succeed, but being different enough to push beyond the norm and into genius.
And though my outlook may not be entirely correct, it may not be entirely inaccurate either. For in some lies we can find a glimmer of truth, and in some truths we can find a trace of a lie.
Is your cup half empty or half full?
With kind regards,
Sophocleus
