Something I’ve discovered about myself: my extreme joy in being different.

Being different for the sake of it, or to acknowledge your own true difference?

Something I’m trying to battle: being different for the sake of being different vs following my “true preferences”.

For example, I don’t like owning the products that others own, because I think my personal preferences are so specific that almost no products fit my mold. Even now, I cannot decide between iPhone or Android because I don’t love either. I actually truly prefer to NOT own a phone at all.

To see or shoot differently

Also my joy of approaching photography and the visual arts differently. To shoot different; a noble goal.

To live different

To approach life differently. To think and to act different. To have different desires, different responsibilities, and different tasks. Not to have the same sheep-like mentality of prevailing society. To creatively isolate yourself and discover deeper truths about what you personally believe in. To not simply echo others but to state your own personal truths, experiences, or thoughts.

Separating the distance between yourself and others

Question: do you see yourself as more similar or dissimilar from others?

Also,

Do you pride yourself in your differences, or feel shame from them?

By this ruler you can judge yourself.

Playing devil’s advocate

Personally I love to learn unconventional wisdom, or wisdom which contradicts the prevailing thought. I don’t believe in any ultimate right/wrong truth. To me, wisdom and philosophy is all aesthetic; which tastes accord to your personal tongue?

Strive to know yourself deeper

I believe ultimately self knowledge is the best knowledge, but to truly know yourself is insanely elusive. And also, your self is constantly changing and in flux. To me the game is then this:

Never stop chasing yourself, and deepening your own self understanding and preferences. And based on your findings, do more of what you consider meaningful to you, and continually augment your physical strength and mental strength (willpower).

Vale (be strong)!

ERIC