Marcel Duchamp, the artist behind the Fountain, wrote: “I have forced myself to contradict myself in order to avoid conforming to my own taste.” I feel that quote. Do you?
Our tastes and behaviors are rooted in what others would have us believe and do - norms and culture. Being contrary to social norms doesn’t win you favors. I often don’t win favors, and I’m okay with that.
Our most strategic posture is the posture of being able to conform or not-conform at our own will. To blend in with the crowd and then stand out as required. As a backup musician, that is a role I know all too well.
I love Marcel’s idea because it reminds me that I don’t have to be like everybody else.
I only need to be myself.
You only need to be yourself.
Everybody else is taken.
