Think as you like but do as what others are doing.
The above sentence is more or less one of the laws on the book titled 48 Laws Of Power, precisely law number 38.
One of the main premises behind this law is that majority of people tend to resist change especially when it comes suddenly, because it is often perceived as an "attack" instead of merely an abrupt transition from one stage to another.
For me, this is quite relatable, sudden changes can be intense, nuclear fusion like. Nobody is ever fully prepared for that, especially knowing that our own systems(e.g biological system) aren't built to handle such changes. However, sometimes, it is the last resort used to bring about a needed change.
Now, this same law has another premise, which is purposefully not standing out of the crowd, even though one may have the knowledge or tools to stand out.
Navigating Social Dynamics
In any social setting, reading the social dynamics between participants is something that I always look forward to observe. Usually, there are two extremes to map, the loudest and quietest person in the social setting.
Typically, the "loudest person" refers to someone who is very outspoken, assertive, and dominant in social situations. It's not necessarily about literal volume per se, but more about being the most noticeable or influential person in a group.
They tend to command attention, be it through their voice, actions, or presence, dominating conversations or making their opinions known.
The quietest person is more or less the opposite of the loudest person. They often prefer listening over talking and tend to observe rather than actively participate in conversations.
This introversion can be a source of strength, in that it allows them to gather information and formulate thoughtful opinions before speaking. However, it can also be perceived as shyness or lack of confidence, in many cases.
Sometimes, I do tell myself that it doesn't matter if you're doing what everyone is doing as long as you know why you're doing it. I think this is the main key in terms of thinking differently but doing what everyone else is doing.
Conformity vs. Individuality
At the heart of it, it basically is a battle between individuality and conformity. In my view, blending in doesn't necessarily advocate for mindless conformity. Because independent thinking is still crucial for navigating social situations strategically.
The way I like to look at is through conforming outwardly, one gains access to the group's inner workings and observe how things function. This period of observation allows one to form their own well-informed opinions and develop creative solutions to problems.
In the grand scheme of things, true power will always lie in using our independent thinking to influence the system from within, rather than blindly following the crowd.
Sometimes, in pursuit of advancing our cause or serving the greater good, one could say it's essential to 'bend the knee' and conform to the expectations of others, even if it may not align with our own personal beliefs or preferences.
Thanks for reading!! Share your thoughts below on the comments.
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Sometimes on wanting to advance and one has to bend the knee it is understandable but it should not be an all time thing. Sometimes having and using your own voice can work wonders.
Yes, indeed! Bending the knee is temporary. It works well when the power dynamics hasn't shifted yet towards the end of the spectrum that we would like to see it in. Using your voice can definitely work wonders, especially at an appropriate time.
Thanks for stopping by :)