I wasn't like everyone, you know. What everyone did, I was sure not to do.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker distinguishes themselves from the masses by intentionally doing the opposite of what is common.
- In plain terms
- I made sure not to do what everyone else did.
- What can you take from it?
- Define yourself by resisting conformity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What common habit are you resisting?
- Is your uniqueness genuine or performative?
Another view
Deliberate contrarianism can become a personality itself.
More from Gore Vidal
As the Greeks sensibly believed, should you get to know yourself, you will have penetrated as much of the human mystery as anyone need ever know.
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Permalink to quote #82 Get rid of religion. It'll do you no good.
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