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About this quote

What does it mean?
People may exaggerate quirks to avoid feeling ordinary or replaceable in society.
In plain terms
You act quirky to prove you are unique and not just a generic worker.
What can you take from it?
Uniqueness is often performed to avoid insignificance.

Where it applies

  • workplace
  • social media
  • creative fields

Putting it to work

  • reflect on motives
  • embrace quirks
  • question norms

Questions to consider

  • Are you performing uniqueness or living it?
  • What makes you feel interchangeable?

Another view

Exaggeration can become a trap that hides true self.

More from Douglas Coupland

  1. You are paralyzed by the fact that cruelty is often amusing.

    Permalink to quote #21
  2. You still don't know what you do well.

    Permalink to quote #23
  3. You don't believe magic is possible in lives lived within traditional boundaries.

    Permalink to quote #20

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