Irony And The Pursuit For Greatness

It's ironic really. We spend our entire lives straining to achieve some level of greatness, some ideal state of being, and yet we look to fit in with society's standards to achieve that goal. However, if there's one thing I've learned in my short life, it's that no one ever becomes great by simply achieving the standards set forth by society. My favorite, and probably most cliché, example is that of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, arguably two of the most successful men in present history. The idea of greatness through individuality isn't isolated to this single case, but nearly every person who has gone on to do something amazing with their lives. Don't believe me? Look into it, and I'm willing to bet you that 90% of 'The Greats' weren't your average everyday Joes (not that I have anything against the name). You see, there's more truth to the phrase "Strength through tragedy" than most people realize, but it isn't simply tragedy that breeds strength. In fact, it's the simple act of carving your own path into the world instead of simply tracing the paths of others.

So why do we strive so hard to fit into the popular, the mediocre? Why do we care what other's opinions or general studies show us when we should be striving to be beyond the standard or the general? In my opinion, the greatest thing an individual can do is reject the standard in an effort to develop their individuality and inner strength. The only real issue that I have with society in general (not American society, not European society, not even Modern society, but society as a whole) is that we tend to have low self images of ourselves, leading to a herd mentality. We rationalize the decisions of others no matter how backward or obviously wrong they may be because, surely, "someone knows better than me." Why? Why should we base our opinions and ideologies on the notion that there must be someone better? Why can't you be the best? If you spend your entire life following the decisions of...