I know what you mean, Harkin. Everyone feels that way to some extent at various points in their life. There is massive pressure to conform to the cultural norms that everyone else adheres to. It's like a tidal wave of pop culture and mediocrity that washes us all out to sea of conformity, and if you try to swim back against the tide, you raise eyebrows or even invite ridicule. But those who scoff are small-minded individuals- wrapped up in their own egos, though there is often little that is unique about them, or anything worth bragging about.

Don't get me wrong. Everyone has something to contribute in their lives, and I'm not making a value judgement on them as a human being. But most of these people are just content to exist in ignorance, and then die. Yes, they marry, and have children, but have they TRULY lived more than anyone else? A century later, will anyone really remember them, or will they be forgotten like the countless others that came before us? It's not necessary to make a mark on history. But we ultimately don't know what's beyond death, if anything. You might only have one chance at this thing we call "life". Isn't it worth it to try to make it count? Is it not worth it to explore yourself, the world around you, and truly make the most of this short and fragile existence?

Those who don't step outside the box are everywhere. They outnumber the free thinkers, the artists, and the brave people who take their lives into their own hands, going against the grain. But they're out there. Beyond your current circle of friends, find people who try to better themselves- and will encourage you to do the same. They're generally friendly, and well-adjusted. And among all of the people I know, of varying ideals and lifestyles, these are the people I would truly trust my life with. I have friends that I would consider decent friends, those who have never read a book and sit around watching reality shows on Vh1 and MTV while smoking a blunt and drinking until they pass out. And they're fun to hang out with, don't get me wrong. But my friends who I can debate philosophy with over a bowl of green, who create art or simply appreciate it, and desire to travel to the ends of the earth... Those are the people I would trust my life with- they understand the value of life, and they value mine as a result. I'm happier around them. I'm healthier. And they appreciate the little things. They've helped make me a better person.

Now, I wouldn't trade my other circle of friends for anything. And I do have to conform to their expectations to an extent in order to connect with them. But I've started a journey I'm not stopping, for anyone. I educate myself, and enjoy learning more than anything. And for the most part, they accept that. If they're truly your friends, they will. They might see me as different... but when I look back on my life many years from now, I'll know that I lived my life well, without regrets. It's worth it, Harkin. Sorry for the length, but when I saw what you said... I felt moved to say something. It was something that I felt long ago, and I felt trapped by the pressure of my peers. But seriously... Take a chance: visit a museum, try to cook a gourmet meal, take a painting class. But more importantly, find a friend or two who challenges your intellect. You'll be glad you did.

I know I am.

~Ethno

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This user does not in any way advocate the breaking of any law, as these laws are generally in place for a good reason. This user does, however, encourage others to question the conceptual framework of their reality, to search for objective truth, and to fight for freedom, both external and internal. Inherent in the right to life and the pursuit of happiness is the freedom to speak and believe as one pleases, and the freedom to use their minds and bodies as they see fit, free from external control, so long as they cause no harm to anyone else in the process.

"For it is not what goes into your mouth that will defile you; rather, it is what comes out of your mouth that defiles you." - Jesus of Nazareth

"An if it harm none, do what ye will" - Wiccan Rede

This user, like anything purported to be said or done by his person, is completely fictitious in nature. That being said, I reject your reality and substitute my own.

Hey Ethnobotanist. No worries about the length, I enjoy reading so I don't mind. I know what you are saying and it makes sense. Since moving to England I haven't really connected with anybody that has challenged me intellectually(except on the net), maybe thats why I read so much on the net to challenge myself and try new hobbies all the time.

I find I get frustrated with some people as they seem so shallow and hollow. Not saying it's the people in England, more like the people I meet. They just worry about trivial things and talk about what car they saw today, the price of a sandwich at their work and they go on and on about it, and I just sit there thinking that I wish they knew there was more to life than these small ideas. I must say my girlfriend is like that *bless her*, I wouldn't change her for the world though. Maybe it's a maturity thing and as we get older we ask more questions and challenge the norm, I feel I do that with myself sometimes but not towards other people if you what I mean. I just usually nod my head and go 'yes sir, you are right and I'm wrong' and it just seems easier that way.

Anyhoo enough babbling from me

panda', you're cool as f**k.

I can connect with both ethno' and harkin on this... I don't have any friends that I can really talk to (just so happens I live in england, lol)... but they're ok, i know they're loyal, just as I am to them. I have been in situations where I have needed them, and they needed me... but when I talk about anything tangible, it goes over their heads. I went to my sisters house not long ago, 5 adults in a room... all they wanted to do was watch a soap opera. The only conversation I made that got a reaction was when I joked about the soap, even then it went too far and they started pulling faces. You can tell so much from watching a persons face.

I don't watch tv, even the news makes me feel sick... I can only watch certain movies. There's too much bullshit in the world, and I think I see it too clearly.

The rape of Iraq... afghanistan... the earth is literally dying. I don't think it's too late though. To defeat a system of rule you need an army. Together, that's exactly what we are.

Exactly. I couldn't agree more.

That "soap" wasn't by chance EastEnders, was it?

Oh, and Skunk... I was absent for a little while around finals, but I've been around. I think it's more that we just haven't run into each other. We should keep in touch more often; you seem like a very interesting individual.

~Ethno

__________________
__________________________________________
This user does not in any way advocate the breaking of any law, as these laws are generally in place for a good reason. This user does, however, encourage others to question the conceptual framework of their reality, to search for objective truth, and to fight for freedom, both external and internal. Inherent in the right to life and the pursuit of happiness is the freedom to speak and believe as one pleases, and the freedom to use their minds and bodies as they see fit, free from external control, so long as they cause no harm to anyone else in the process.

"For it is not what goes into your mouth that will defile you; rather, it is what comes out of your mouth that defiles you." - Jesus of Nazareth

"An if it harm none, do what ye will" - Wiccan Rede

This user, like anything purported to be said or done by his person, is completely fictitious in nature. That being said, I reject your reality and substitute my own.

Yes... lol. Actually the soap was Eastenders. I see that it's notoriety stretches far and wide.

Thanks ethno', I've always found that your posts run deep... and you have a way of making them understandable, an eloquence that I find myself often in awe of. No shit.

It'd be great to keep in touch more. Cheers buddy.