Araz Gray

Do not as the Romans Do

22 June 2019

Want to avoid embarrassment? Blend in with the crowd?

This proverb carries several assumptions:

First assumption: By default, you are embarrassing.

Second assumption: Being embarrassed is undesirable.

Third assumption: Blending in protects you from embarrassment.

But this proverb has some major flaws:

• Blending in denies your true identity.
• Blending in reduces your chances of living a remarkable life.
• Being embarrassed isn’t necessarily bad. Embarrassed by whom? A bunch of narrow-minded people? The scope of “the crowd” in this proverb isn’t defined, so you could blend in by worshiping Hindu cows and think you’re safe, while the rest of the world laughs at you.

Some similar advice:

1. If you want a happy life, don’t blend in with the crowd.
2. If you want to understand why you came and what your purpose is, don’t blend in with the crowd.
3. If you don’t want to wake up every morning tortured, don’t blend in with the crowd.
4. (to be continued)

Araz Gray — 22 June 2019

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