It’s hard to explore anything these days that’s not popular, not part of a top 10, a viral phenomenon.
The tidal wave that is the mainstream is more powerful than ever before, and swimming against the current is rarely encouraged, or only superficially.
Unless of course, you defy and exceed all expectations, and become popular, a top 10, a viral phenomenon.
Not all that’s popular is worth its acclaim, however (I’m looking at you, reality shows.) But it’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference.
I don’t know if I’m digging my heels deeper as I get older, but I recently did something decidedly uncharacteristic, and very un-mainstream-like; I bought a book that didn’t have a lot of reviews, wasn’t on any bestseller list, is not even from this century, nor a classic in literature.
In fact, it was written in the 1920s, with a title some would call rather mundane and generic.
I bought it simply because it sounded interesting, and I was curious.
Remember curiosity?
Curiosity is that long lost trait of exploring something bit by bit, before the desire is quashed in the cacophony of information explosion at our fingertips.
The more noise I let in my world, the harder it is to listen to my own voice.
Believe it or not, I actually enjoyed the book (and if you’re curious, it’s called How to Live on 24 Hours a Day, by Arnold Bennett).
Not exactly catchy by today’s standards.
I know it can be hard to look away from what’s popular, and difficult to pull out from under its spell. And I’m not saying you should.
But what if you don’t (want to) fall under the spell others are enchanted by?
You may wonder for a moment why not, that you’re missing something others can plainly see.
Maybe. Maybe not.
Give them my best
In an age when where we’re bombarded with so many “bests”, perhaps we can take a moment to remind ourselves that:
- not all that’s popular matches our individual taste
- while it takes effort to look for something beyond the superficial, the effort of going deeper is an exercise in discernment, a trait we could all stand to refine in any area of life
- we not turn a blind eye too quickly on something others have deemed unworthy (“they” don’t always know what’s best for you)
- it’s okay to like, or love, what the majority do (again, reality shows)
The counter-current, though, is not without possibilities.
Maybe something unusual catches your eye, holds your attention and ratchets open your understanding of the world when you weren’t expecting.
Which is to say it’s okay to look away from the crowd, to follow your curiosity, even if it says to look at the bottom of the pile, even if there are fewer stars, and even fewer people talking about it.
It’s not for the sake of rebelling, or to be deliberately contrarian.
It’s allowing your curiosity to count as much as other people’s grand declaration.
Because if we don’t take time to listen to our own voice, the noise will gladly take its place.
(Photo: K.Dinh Photography)
Allowing curiosity to count. Love that.
I’ve swim against the tide my whole life and pendulumed between proud independence and weary loneliness. Most difficult to simply allow another choice to matter.
I can relate to the loneliness, and the nagging sense of “what if this is wrong?”. But I followed the rules most of my life and, to be honest, it still brought me loneliness and “what if this is wrong?”. Now, it’s more of a case by case thing, and making the best choice using what I have. As always, thanks for your interesting perspective, Joel!