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I never try to tell anybody else what to do, number one. And number two, I think that's what the individual is all about. Each one of us has something to contribute. This really depends on each one doing their own thinking, but not following any kind of rule that I can give out, any command. We're all on the frontier, we're all in a great mystery - incredibly mysterious. Each one possesses exactly what each one is working out, and what each one works out relates to their particular set of circumstances of any one day, or any one place around the world.

Buckminster Fuller#83

ThinkingIndividualIndependenceIndividualityMysteryContributionSelf relianceWorld

About this quote

What does it mean?
Fuller argues that individuals should think for themselves rather than follow rules or commands from others.
In plain terms
Everyone has unique value and should solve problems based on their own situation.
What can you take from it?
Trust your own judgment and context over external commands.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • personal decision making
  • innovation

Putting it to work

  • encourage independent thought
  • avoid micromanagement

Questions to consider

  • When is following a rule necessary?
  • How do you define your own contribution?

Another view

Some situations require clear rules or commands for safety or coordination.

More from Buckminster Fuller

  1. The courage to cooperate or initiate are based entirely on the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth as the divine mind within you tells you the tr…

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  2. I have to say, I think that we are in some kind of final examination as to whether human beings now, with this capability to acquire information and to communi…

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  3. I think it's absolutely touch-and-go whether we're going to make it. But the point is, for me to tell you that you have an option is not to be optimistic... Ti…

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