It cracks me up when people (usually teenagers or overgrown kids) want to be "weird" and "original," or consider themselves to be. To me, it's an obvious fact that forced originality does more harm than good. And for someone to be seen by others as genuinely interesting and original, they either have to be that way naturally from childhood, or simply broaden their horizons and bring their ideas and desires to life, gaining a deep understanding of their subject. (It doesn't matter what field this applies to).
I myself was a bit weird from childhood (within reason, I hope) , and at the same time I wasn't "trying to be original" at all, I just stood out among my peers during prolonged interaction (don't get the wrong idea, not for any special brains or knowledge :-). Anyone who doesn't believe it can ask any person who has known me in real life for a long time. But I wouldn't say this brought me any special happiness.
Or take our profs at uni, for example. Some call that a zoo, but that's not nice. It's simply that long-term interaction with huge crowds of students, constant public speaking and considerable knowledge have left their mark on them, which is why most of the professors are highly colorful characters and can undoubtedly be considered idiosyncratic.
Originality
2006-09-30