What does this quote mean to you?

Quote of the Day - How to Understand People

Today's quote comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), an American lecturer, poet, and essayist who championed individualism and played a central role in the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century.

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Even though Emerson lived in the 1800s, I feel this quote is still quite relevant in today's world. When he says "the world," he is really referring to society as a whole, which often pressures us to live up to certain expectations.

There's always going to be something about you that people take issue with. This might include the fact you're:

A virgin
Not into drinking, smoking, drugs, or other substances
Not married
Child-free (and may never plan to have any children)
Shy or introverted
In a non-traditional, low-paying field (teaching, etc.)
Of a certain religion
Dating someone a lot older, younger, or of a different race
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender
And the list goes on...

Unfortunately, many people will try to goad you into changing this aspect of yourself. The reason for this, as you may have already noticed, is that when something about someone is a little different, it tends to make other people very uncomfortable. They can't fathom, for example, how someone could not want to drink or hit up the clubs every weekend.

Take the movie "The 40-Year Old Virgin." Remember how Andy's friends reacted once they realized he'd never before had sex? They found it acceptable and immediately resolved to end his slump by trying to pair him with everyone from a drunk woman to a transvestite prostitute.

Though the world may try to change who we are, we must always stick to our guns, provided we don't want to change this given attribute. No one should coax you into doing something you don't want to do just to satisfy his or her ego.

If there's something about you someone doesn't like or comprehend, they'll just have to live with it. If you're introverted and enjoy being this way, don't let someone try turning you into a social butterfly. If you're against drinking or smoking, whether in principle or for health reasons, resist others' efforts to get you to compromise your stance.

Don't succumb to pressure -- stand firmly by your principles and love yourself for who you are!

What does this quote mean to you?

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To check out earlier posts, click here: How to Understand People

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