I am sure you must have heard the quote " YOu are unique" many times over. And of course the sarcastic after thought "just like everybody else". Humans are unique in their desire to fit in and at the same time stand out. Throughout the animal kingdom, individuals of a species are very similar in the way they look. The thing that differentiates them is the individual behavior. Like in a flock of geese, they all look the same at first glance. It would be very difficult if not impossible to tell them apart at first glance. But then if you look at the flock long enough you will notice subtle differences amongst them. And they are noticed because of their distinguishing behavior traits. You notice the ruffian who breaks out of line. You will notice a fighter picking a fight with anyone willing to take him on. And so on.
Humans are obsessed with classification. There's nothing wrong with that. I mean that is what helps us make sense of the myriad and complex world that we live in. But the trouble is this classificaiton also extends to other humans. Just look at the number of zodiac signs, personality tests, physical shapes, religions, nationalities, races etc.
There are twelve zodiac signs each based on the period in which an individual is born. Suppose you read the traits of each of them without considering your birthdate, you will find that some of the characteristics apply to you. And this is true for most people. I have nothing against Zodiac signs or any other form of classificaiton. But I feel each person is truly unique. Just because you are slightly in decisive or slightly round at the edges doesnt make you a Libra or a Apple Shaped Body Person respectively. Each person is a complex and unique blend of different characteristics and the proportion of these is dynamic. Its ever changing and is shaped by desires, circumstances and other people around.
So you truly are unique. All the systems are just ways of helping other people understand a part of you and help them make sense of the insanity in the world.
So, you are classified into the category "YOU". And that's that!
Humans are obsessed with classification. There's nothing wrong with that. I mean that is what helps us make sense of the myriad and complex world that we live in. But the trouble is this classificaiton also extends to other humans. Just look at the number of zodiac signs, personality tests, physical shapes, religions, nationalities, races etc.
There are twelve zodiac signs each based on the period in which an individual is born. Suppose you read the traits of each of them without considering your birthdate, you will find that some of the characteristics apply to you. And this is true for most people. I have nothing against Zodiac signs or any other form of classificaiton. But I feel each person is truly unique. Just because you are slightly in decisive or slightly round at the edges doesnt make you a Libra or a Apple Shaped Body Person respectively. Each person is a complex and unique blend of different characteristics and the proportion of these is dynamic. Its ever changing and is shaped by desires, circumstances and other people around.
So you truly are unique. All the systems are just ways of helping other people understand a part of you and help them make sense of the insanity in the world.
So, you are classified into the category "YOU". And that's that!
Nicely written.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to my blog expressing similar views:
http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2011/11/are-you-happy-with-yourself-as-you-are.html
All the Best
Keep Blogging
Regards
Vikram
Well...
ReplyDeleteI read this post you deinately have some good points to make, perhaps it said that everyone should celebrate their individuality.
Howevermy thoughts are little different. I am not agaist those who are individual but I think we all like to stay in groups, like to become dependent on one another and find similarities.