The Psychology of Conformity

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This video, building on the ideas of Ernest Becker, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche and Emerson, examines why we are so susceptible to conformity and looks at why nonconformity, or the cultivation of one’s uniqueness, is such an important ingredient in a life well-lived.
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Get the transcript: academyofideas.com/2017/06/psy...
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[@academyofideas]

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[@truthseek3017]

Academy of Ideas Where do you get all your information? Do you read alot of philosophy books or learn from the internet.

[@JusticeDutton]

Certainly a mix, but for what its worth and from what I can tell, almost all of the Niche quotes are pulled from well regarded [academia] second hand translations to english

[@PreciseVids]

You're WHATIVELEARNED.

[@bronsonblood5695]

Thank you!

[@RazorM97]

Meanwhile Christians spam the dislike button

[@billycopper7248]

The crowd resents a loner because it envies his courage.

[@craig7149]

Very well said! I've always been The One, who takes My Own path, by, Reading The Bible. It's brings out My individuality, imagination, Not, keeping up "With The Jones". Debt Free. Zero credit cards.

[@Automedon2]

Some of the most popular characters in film and television have been loners and non conformists. So, you're right - many people do envy those who have not been trapped in the groove of conformity.

[@dominostimes2119]

In my country they resent the loner bc they’re just scared of what they don’t know

[@craig7149]

@@dominostimes2119 I just read Your Comment, I can tell, Your Comment came from the heart, At times Jesus Christ was a loner to, because Jesus was doing the will of His Father, praying daily, for Gods Will in Your Life. A Loner brings attraction, Knowing Jesus Christ as Your Personal Savior, then being lonely is No Longer When You have Jesus in Your Heart, Our Heavenly Father, staying With Us 24/7. Yes, They should be scared, because Their Sins in Their Life, Be a Living Testimony for Jesus!!

[@Axel3xA]

am using quote

[@jessstuart7495]

Anyone who has been to college has felt the hammer of conformity.

[@DeanRendar]

i bought and wore a pink hoodie, later rebranded as "millennial pink" as an F.U. protest to fake intellectual attention seeking girls on campus that made it feel like 7th grade again with their nonsense and last call at the bar dating habits. Funny how the fashion industry turned it into a fad everyone else started doing months later.

[@jusayenso8186]

@@DeanRendar ...I think I get your point. I sure as heck know how the business executives make huge profits by exploiting naive people of all ages. It's not rocket science to know, but then again, I learned to start investing valuable time to be self taught decades ago. I am continually amazed at the amount of overpriced products and services too many people choose. That's fine if they can afford it. But I know how to easily learn several signs that they really can't afford buy what they do. Sales is a fascinating industry. Why bother selling the masses boring stuff they need. Sell them "fun", or "trendy", or "cool" stuff they want. One of thousands of examples...old tv jingle.."It's the Pepsi generation!" Notice that Pepsi still advertises in expensive time slot tv shows. Notice how they control the best shelf space in most grocery stores. Yes, there product is good tasting, but not as good as their net profits show. Last I checked, there is no cure for diabetes. Tell that to Pepsi executives. They easily overcame that little obstacle with flying colors.

[@jusayenso8186]

"their product"

[@adley5755]

Very true

[@arturkvieira]

True indeed

[@Patrick-gf5xg]

Watching all of these concepts playing during the COVID derangement is truly fascinating. The pressure from the group to conform is overwhelming and so sophisticated. But resist we will. Resist we must.

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

The reality is that we all must conform to some degree to live in this world. In the case of this pandemic when given all the evidence one must conclude that this pandemic is real. After all the vast majority of world accepts this pandemic is real. And being real it is in our our best interest to follow certain recognized precautions to keep one's self safe, but also to protect others especially those who are more vulnerable to getting sick and worse dying. Thus if I do not take steps to avoid infecting others by masking, or gathering in large groups, etc then I am acting selfishly. If I refuse to believe the pandemic is real or exaggerated what might I be afraid of looking at to accept this pandemic is real and is killing people in large numbers.

[@riceyo62]

@@michaeldeierhoi4096 You are a conformist and not a free thinker.. the relentless propoganda by mainstream media is meant to keep you in your conformed state.. Covid has a very low death rate ..less than 1%.. There are sinister objectives behind this so called pandemic.. you need to do your own research .. the truth is out there you just need to find it yourself.. good luck.

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

@@riceyo62 You spout that same reductive argument that has been said before by people who are either anti-vaxers are skeptics about the pandemics in some way. In the first place it is not just about the death rate, because that greatly over simplifies the problem. There are many more aspects that you are unwilling to consider. First and foremost, the pandemic would have killed millions more, but for the measures taken over the past year to slow the spread of Sarscor2 such as masking, shut downs, social distancing etc. Second, the 1% figure ignores how overwhelmed medical staff was in many hospitals around the world. Now those same medical staff are quitting or transferring to another dept because they are simply burned out. Because now there is new onslaught of of patients with covid especially in southern states which had the lowest levels of vaccination. So the current wave of covid patients are at least 90% UNvaccinated. And those increasingly stressed hospitals are struggled more because of reduction in available staff. In other words this is now an unnecessary increase in Covid because so many people refused to get vaccinated. And this wave could get worse before it gets better.

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

@Hollow Recluse You convince no one!!

[@renegadetenor]

Wish I could give you about 7 and a half billion likes.

[@jamesalvarado3961]

It's actually scary and it's scarier to know that most of us here are smart enough to know this situation is only going to get worse. We have to stand up to this, it's going to keep happening until we say enough.

[@journeywithnichole]

Stop paying their salaries I guess

[@BabaOshoKehteHain]

it feels weird to really understand what he spoke in this video. i feel like i am living in a television.

[@user-mi6dl4bb9x]

It's amazing that we find solidarity among nonconformists on the internet. Something that our noncomformist forefathers never had the luxury to experience.

[@SE_Lin]

+Grand Wizard I can't imagine what it would be like if I didn't have the internet to be honest. I would be a completely different person and I don't think it would be for the better.

[@user-mi6dl4bb9x]

+MomoTheBellyDancer That was the joke hehe

[@anonb4632]

Grand Wizard Joking aside, it depends what you're conforming to, you can simultaneously be both. Within a group like the Moonies you can be utterly conformist, but being a Moonie within wider society is actually being a non-conformist.

[@anonb4632]

Bryce Thibodeaux Actually they don't. Look at the western world these days - most folk sleep around, don't get married and many are more interested in having pets than children... it's part of the reason mass migration is being encouraged to these countries as the birthrate is collapsing.

[@Mr.Jasaw13]

we take an easy liberty to call our selves nonconformist but I want to ask u a question ... all of u here cus this elaboration seems rather vague and solutionless as majority of other vids and ppl promoting them ... what did u do to to oppose conformity ? how did u reject conformity ? (some critical questions down if u r willing ).. ... do u still believe that the western type of living is the best one and others r just cultural ignorants or savages (500 years ago kongo had an embassy in italy, muslims invented scientific method and pioneered in loads of major scientific and philosophical discoveries) ? do u still think in terms of the imposed labels like lefty, righty, this, thaty, feministy , .. or even introverty extroverty .. ? do u still trust media including the trendy folk music and other sorts of entertainment which propagate hedonistic, misogynistic, materialistic type of living ? did u reject to dress in a certain way to conform to the social pressure (especially for women ... tight, short clothing ..making u a target for objectification )? do u still take scientific working models and their speculations as facts and absolute truths like darwinian evolution (even though science every now and then goes through the paradigm shifts ) ? do u still think democracy works ? do u still get distracted by trump and other clowns which r just puppet entertainers in this scheme ? do u still take actors, actressess, singers and other kinds of potentially immoral entertainers for ur models? do u still buy products that r bad for ur both physical and psychological health and with which u indirectly sponsor genocides and other sorts of horrific crimes against humanity ????? do u still watch and transparently talk about sexual, pornographic explicit content which by implication has a huge impact on ur psychology rendering it animalistic and superficial ? do u always question ur authorities whether doctors, professors or others ? do u still trust the historic and official sort of narrative that ur government (western types ) teaches to u ? do u still think that all faiths/religions r bad and theres nothing to look into ? .... and many many other critical questions that we need to ask our selves ..... this vid is a start .... but start non the less .. we still heavily conform ...... everything else is just a denial (cognitive dissonance) ... so ppl READ! ... educate ur selves ...

[@michaelwoodward5787]

I love how so many people from my past who claimed to be free thinkers are now following the government and media without a second thought.

[@Automedon2]

People who even claim to be free thinkers are some of the most controlled people I've ever met. They've just adopted a different costume that better fits the herd they want to belong to.

[@kientrung2620]

@@Automedon2 As long as we think, we make judgement that base on previous experience and knowledges about the subject. The dilemma is that if we can not have the chance to experience, see something that not even exist. those " free thinker " are results of making a conclusion about a subject differentiating from the crowd.

[@horizonzeromom]

Same about so many from my past as well. I will always care about them and think fondly on the good memories I have with them, but they're not the same people and still merit they're so overly tolerant, open minded and free-thinking when they're far from it. True free thinkers always second guess themselves. Having and challenging doubt and questioning everything is what define a free thinker, not conforming with something that is less mainstream.

[@shawnhill3482]

I agree they are the sheep that have to have other sheep with them to feel worthy whereas Nonconformists never follow the Rules made by people who couldn't care less about them !and use them to become rich! Or to push they're BS Ideas!

[@violettaylor1374]

All my old punk mates...now total establishment...meanwhile me in my 50's: 🖕!

[@victorallencook7107]

Never conform who you are to be accepted . The way you naturally got excited since kindergarten . Be unique . Stay unique .

[@olderchat_3056]

Conformity is natural and there is nothing wrong with it. Take Eastern people as your example, if you want to become truly happy

[@APsGTG]

@@olderchat_3056 Depends on who you are. I wouldn’t say conformity is natural for all. Some people are born with more leadership qualities and some people are born more as followers and sheep-like. A leader does not natural conform, a follower does not naturally lead. One must know once self in order to know which path he should take. What I do find interesting though is how those that do conform by nature feel threatened by those that do not. It’s almost as if those that conform by nature are also naturally envious, weaker, less conscience etc. A good amount of people watching these videos are true nonconformist and are happier that way. I’m one of them. We are not one rule fits all. Do not tell people what will make them happy, especially with something as potentially soul shattering as conformity.

[@filler7149]

@@olderchat_3056 to a certain extent yeah but do you really beleive authoritarian government regimes when they say "yeah we're totally happy here" and not to mention I think we've figured out morals are objective at this point so eventually some people realise that morals have become distorted by our government and stand up for it. Those are the nonconformists not talking heads who yell about this and that

[@smokingcrab2290]

This. The minute you stop people pleasing and stand firm for your own needs, you won't have any resentments in life, because you fought to give yourself what YOU needed, but not at the expense of others. But when you conform, you're giving people what you think they need at the expense of yourself. And the constant suppression of your needs in order to conform will only bring bitterness and hatred into your psyche. Because you think there's safety in conformity, but really all there is to be found is suffocation. Conformity is how you lose yourself completely.

[@scorqio]

Conformity is natural?? Ha. What you are basically saying is that thinking outside the box is too hard and scary for most, so they take the already-made thoughts of another. IN THAT CASE...Yes. I agree, that most people are too WEAK to go against the norm. BUT going against the norm requires different knowledge. And most people are not knowledge seekers.

[@barehandedspank]

Ever since I was a child, being like everyone else terrified me. I am just me. I will not perform for others comfort. If I can't be me, I'd rather not exist. That is how strongly I feel. Being real. There is nothing wrong with it.

[@AnalyticMinded]

When 'The School of Life' dropped the ball, the 'Academy of Ideas' picked it up! Your work is amazing. I feel like I'm hearing a more secular Sunday sermon when I watch your videos, and they always leave me thinking, sometimes for days. Carry on!

[@itzJennesto]

In what way do you think 'The School of Life' has dropped the ball?

[@Landauh]

The School of Life has a quite clear ideological bent, and the narratives for their videos tend to take on this bent. The goal is not education so much as indoctrination in the worldview of Alain de Botton.

[@_________________________7050]

To add to this, it's a "middle of the road" fallacy mixed with an acceptable PC bent to conform any ideas that do not bend to today's values to them. Rather then remain neutral by saying the truth and having people decide for themselves, he fosters and moulds the idea to the audience.

[@grosbeak6130]

I found at the school of life youtube channel has become somewhat 2 dimensional, and in one of their videos there was male bashing and white knighting.

[@fntime]

Really?!? You sound like you are a reactionary.

[@MaggotDiggo1]

Loved the bit about people that think they are non-conformist actually being another flavour of conformists. Listen up hipsters.

[@111lillkiller]

Cause only you and your gang of special snowflakes are the REAL nonconformists, right?

[@matthewjackson9615]

I agree. Even the so-called nonconformists harbor the natural impulse and desire for submission and compliance.

[@jimcarrey2300]

Self deception in a nutshell

[@joshwilliams3653]

And the conformist shall ridicule and condemn the non conformist as he sheds light on the dark lie the conformist lives

[@bircruz555]

99% of the tattooed crowd is downright conformist. My observation. I am willing to believe that those who adopted the tattoo originally were probably true non-conformists.

[@PeterSantenello]

Masterpiece!

[@martinsatyen7833]

one of many. best channel on YT

[@mechka8435]

yo yo Peter I love you my man so glad to find you here

[@dominostimes2119]

@Peter Santenello So good to see you here man. Love what you do and who you are Wish you only good

[@Saac678]

WOW it's Peter Santenello

[@nickhomer6799]

Ralph Waldo Emerson would be even ashamed of us. It breaks my heart. People are not even trying to educate themselves and demand better for themselves and everyone else. Your videos are on a complete other level.

[@ThePeaceableKingdom]

Classic scene in Life of Brian, when Brian appears on the balcony and is shocked to find a crowd of followers have gathered: Brian: Don't follow me. Think for yourselves. You're all individuals. Crowd (in unison): We are all individuals. One lone guy: I'm not an individual... Newspaperman Bill Vaughn wrote a half century ago, "If there is anything the nonconformist hates worse than a conformist, it's another nonconformist who doesn't conform to the prevailing standard of nonconformity..."

[@lucasshore5184]

ThePeaceableKingdom. Vanity...definitely my favorite sin haha

[@colleenkaralee2280]

And Brain says to the crowd, "F--ck Off!!!" and the crowd says, "Oh, Lord, how shall we F--ck off?" :-))

[@niallquinn9128]

Maybe what should be said is that there's a difference between superficial non conformity like Tarantino or Kubrick and real non conformity like Bunuel and Godard.

[@deadlyram2k6]

@@niallquinn9128 selling non conformity is profitable as hell. Ironically

[@goldwater1984]

You made me LAUGH, THANK YOU.

[@marcogriffin1997]

One conforms because we live in a world full of insecurity

[@pineapplaplatypotamus]

and a false sense of physical identity

[@intotheunknown21]

And insecurity is generated from a world in which one cannot conform.

[@commenceenavoirmarre]

We are train to be insecure

[@X3000Chan]

Marco Griffin - And laziness.

[@serpentzachary1340]

@@X3000Chan Nah it takes effort to conform.

[@MrLukeass81]

Submission is how they break you. Give you a choice to conform, or lose everything you have. As the conformist say “It’s your choice”

[@a2pet]

The “social justice” hysteria is a perfect example of conformity.

[@alanthorpe3640]

Thomas Sowell has a good description. He says - "Envy was once considered one of the seven deadly sins before it became one of the most admired virtues under its new name of 'social justice'."

[@filmolosophy]

Yep. It's a religion

[@heatheramos9361]

The words "social justice" really seem to annoy me...or maybe its the type of people who mouth them?

[@derektracey2766]

Another government distraction? Media psy-op?

[@thisislaflaretv5250]

Well if your white and deals with those you have oppressed than you might think that way. So don't do that

[@Heather-xm9ul]

This is why I want to homeschool. I need to spare SOMEONE from being shamed into conformity. I want to see at least one young person proceed into life with complete confidence in their weirdness

[@smokingcrab2290]

Imagine having the freedom to unapologetically be you in all circumstances. Love what you love. Do what you want. And just be purely you without any anxiety or second thought of being judged by others. What a great world that would be

[@tomjohn8733]

Exactly...the act of being visibly invisible in a world one has rejected without seeming to reject, like someone who pretend to love life more then he does, to have been rejected by every woman he’s ever loved, to always try to do what’s right regardless of the hurtful acts of ignorant people who judge you without knowing or understanding the depths of one mind for one acts of nonconformity....

[@transcendentsacredcourage]

Too true. 🏆

[@mrswjr4061]

Our school system trains us to want to conform early on with rewards like “Student of the Week” If your child has never gotten that award, be assured he is talking during class or throwing away most of his lunch so he can get onto the ball court ASAP... just a couple of the infractions my kids made. I told them there was no way I would put an ugly “my kid was student of the week” bumper sticker on my car anyway, so just keep getting good grades and we were fine.

[@pbandjelly1311]

I appreciated the explanation of non-compliance being a trait one adopts not just to be different, but a choice made for personal reasons (like values and morals).

[@Paige-nx4wx]

And it's not about external appearances.

[@smokingcrab2290]

And your own needs that need to be met. Sometimes others want you to mee their needs at your expense. Nonconfomity raises your middle finger to those people and tells them you have boundaries and you're doing what's right for you, but not at their expense.

[@schmogibogi4867]

Academy of Ideas bringing the heat as usual.

[@tablaturebutler2823]

I was prepared to be impressed, but the first title card - "no longer is, etc" disappoints - people's online social networks ARE, for many, their communities - so the mechanism is identical albeit greatly expanded in scope. Hard to recover from an opening gambit so weak...

[@danmantena4676]

straight fire!

[@44godson]

This is a very astute explanation of conformity. At many times I feel as if a man without a country. I was deemed mentally unfit after 13 years in the military, due to my lack of conformity. I feel this again as I complete college. Norms are the cinder blocks that keep us from our infinite meaning and personalities. Thank you for this

[@sexymary]

Yeah 💪☠️

[@cwr8618]

@@sexymary !

[@Automedon2]

Wait until you get old, your sense of guilt that you can't get into the hive mindset will vanish and you'll feel completely free. I only have a few years left, but I finally live with a sense of relief that I wasn't wrong all these years.

[@tyquanwashington.8510]

Let me guess..They called you an "individual" as if it was a bad thing? I'm right there with you but in my case it was only two years because I got hit by two IEDs in Afghanistan so fortunately the indoctrination hadn't had sufficient time to marinate. I feel for you bud! You're not alone my friend.

[@gilbertbeltran1562]

I'm slowly making my way through every one of these videos and I find it hard not to save ALL of them to my personal youtube library because they're all very good. This one, however, was better than good. It was the green light in my mind to do what I knew I needed to be doing and not consider if others find it "wrong" or "selfish". Thanks for all the amazing content!

[@okami425]

I always come back every couple weeks to rewatch some videos and watch more of what he's got.

[@scorqio]

@gilbertbeltran1562 you are wise enough to have created a library from one of the best knowledge databases known to man. I wonder how wise you truly are.

[@dawnkravagna3200]

Thanks for an invigorating message. My family has always enforced conformity on me. You gave me the courage to reject expectations for my age and be the person I truly am and get my creative projects out into the world. I’m going to watch this daily till it truly sinks into my subconscious.

[@ashleymertens4329]

Academy of Ideas continuously analyzes the work of great thinkers and delivers it in a digestible manner that leaves me considering my life and my actions for days after. I applaud the thought and work that goes into this channel and am grateful to the creator(s) who deliver time and time again. It is greatly appreciated!

[@LTdrumma]

The combination of courage and grace will lead you to nonconformity

[@astrologyfit]

I think it is courage that delivers against laziness?

[@jeremiahmeade710]

Love will lead you to nonconformity.

[@transcendentsacredcourage]

​@@jeremiahmeade710 Meh. It depends.

[@EverythingAlwaysGoesMyWay]

I'd love to see this mans library!!

[@victorsantos8362]

Your channel is different from everything I saw here. These are pearls. Please, don't stop. For the first time I'm sure I"m not crazy. Hugs from Brasil!

[@christinapaterno5585]

This is all basic philosophy. Read some books!

[@victorsantos8362]

@@christinapaterno5585 Ok

[@neo_aliaga]

These videos show the truth man. You're not crazy, you're completely sane like me and some others are.

[@jeffo3476]

A bare minimum of conformity is unavoidable.

[@itsolivier]

havent you seen those guys that turn their old school buses into living trailers in the middle of nowhere what is that about if about not conforming to the society at large. you get your water by the river and you grow you water by your bus, you charge your technology at mchdonalds on solar, is that not the way to go

[@rubyjames3105]

true, I work to buy my freedom. I conform in order not to.

[@GSMicrobe]

my dude, look at 1:40 . That is your answer. those ' different' ideas are still shaped by an external source, the crowd. So they are conformist.

[@themoribundapathetic4530]

It's never conformity because it was chosen

[@israelvaldivia2686]

@@itsolivier well you dont have to camp out in the middle of no where which is what most conformist fear. You can start a business or create something of value that people will want

[@cookiebilbo]

Refusing to conform to the totalitarian "new normal" has taken a considerable toll on my mental health. Been on the phone past few night's with suicide hotlines. Never been so acutely aware of just how alienated I feel from society. I've always felt alone and different, my whole life. But this year has amplified the agony of that feeling, and it is truly agonising because I don't want to be alone, I don’t want to be different and I want more than anything to be loved and accepted. But my conscience cannot allow me to participate in something I feel in my heart is evil and wrong no matter how much pain it causes me or how much condemnation I receive from others.

[@cellulardecay9520]

I feel it. I'm rejected by both the right and the left because I'm a centrist. You just can't win nowadays. It's a lonely path.

[@neo_aliaga]

Don't be sad. Just be yourself. You're not alone brother. My advice I'd give to ya would be to just tell society "f**k you" and live on your own terms. Society gives you nothing of value, I can assure you that. You'll be happier if you spend time with your loved ones.

[@transcendentsacredcourage]

​@@cellulardecay9520 Participating in politics is a fruitless endeavor.

[@transcendentsacredcourage]

​@@neo_aliaga Truthful words. I have that "f*ck you" mentality everyday.

[@TomFromYoutube]

Wear a mask! -Conformists

[@patrickdaniel7760]

I need to start expressing myself again.

[@JoeyLaurens]

Always saw my mom work hard and strive for more.... she's the definition of a true non conformist, she's the reason why since I was a kid I took my chances and wanted something different... I hate monotony

[@ImOutsideTheBox]

I always think of Teslas quote whenever people try to claim credit for inventions made by individuals as if they were made by nations or ethnicities. if those people were placed in the era of those inventions creation theyd more likely than not be the ones burning them in some moral panic.

[@benzun9600]

Still relevant today. Human nature does not change. Thanks for the uploads. These are golden for Homeschooling

[@erozi3512]

Such an outstanding way to present philosophy. I really enjoy the long passages from notable authors, as while still selected by you to illustrate a point, it allows me to formulate an opinion more directly from the sentiment of a particular work. It’s a blessing and a stepping stone for someone like me, still struggling to comprehend pages of philosophy.

[@reneoslizlok6031]

I fear I am lazy.

[@vovasensei]

Nonconformist

[@Editisement]

Then stop

[@Djwhiskers]

@@Editisement This actually cured me, wtf?

[@victorortiz1991]

You're lazy so you fear

[@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry]

No. But you might have ADHD.

[@richardsmith3715]

life is like psychedelics. its a magical, unpredictable, exciting, terrifying, joyous, miserable journey. all in all its definitely something worth experiencing but you dont wanna do it forever.

[@damionepsilon4737]

Nice comparison. Yeah not long after I start tripping I'm like when is this over, only to wake up and plan my next trip like wtf?

[@mysticoversoul]

"This is the terror: to have emerged from nothing, to have a name, consciousness of self, deep inner feelings, an excruciating inner yearning for life and self expression --- and with all this yet to die. It seems like a hoax... What kind of deity would create such complex and fancy worm food?" (Ernest Becker, "The Denial of Death," at video timeline frame 2:26.) Thanks for posting this great video presentation.

[@MKTElM]

Every material thing born in Time has a beginning and an end . Humans are obsessed with an instinctive need to exist eternally . Death is a big challenge and some call it the 'crisis of death' .

[@jeremiahmeade710]

"This is the terror: to have emerged from nothing... What kind of deity would create such complex and fancy worm food?" Isn't that a contradiction?

[@christinamatilda836]

So well done 👏🏻👏🏻 you were clearly guided to make these videos and I am so glad you did! Humanity really needs to hear this and you have done a beautiful job at articulating what we face a few years later! Being an intuitive and an nonconformists myself it feels so good to be alive, aware and fulfilling my soul!

[@BlackDagestani]

3:00 'Striving for the Heroic' = 'attaching ourselves to a purpose/creation which we believe will outlive our physical existence, thus granting us a form of immortality.' This is really eye opening because it puts words to what I couldn't verbally explain to myself and others around me about why I decided to make videos. Denial of Death is definitely a book for the list. 🙏

[@M64936]

bamischijfje123 But that doesn't mean that as humans with the cursed knowledge of our impending death, that we may not benefit from striving for some form immortality - even if it will fade in the end.

[@naturallaw1733]

it's rational if the Benefit is there while there still Living so ....

[@dadamager3000]

I hate this thought and can't comprehend how people dedicate themselves towards history (no offense intended)

[@badex6]

Conforming to multiple different social backgrounds one becomes aware of internal and external 'being' and thus becomes non-conformed internally. But this creates a confusing internal struggle between who one is and who they need to be

[@felixw8929]

Interesting thesis.

[@AjieA]

This is probably the best video I watched in the last year. Extremely informative and introspective. I just subscribed! ✨

[@nupreznz]

This is my favorite video of yours. Before the video finished and you made your last point with the Nietzsche quote, I was going to say that I need to make sure I truly act on your words of wisdom instead of just letting them go through one ear and out the other. Now I know I really need to stop my laziness problem.

[@akramtouil7102]

Keep up the good work, and never give up quality for quantity like some youtube channels out there.

[@benjaming7325]

Thank you! i now understand the meaning of my loneliness

[@bepishombre8999]

I know you won't read this, but strive to connect more with society if that's the case. For better or worse, life is about people.

[@sharonlarge336]

Loneliness is self created and you , yourself can reverse it. Be happy with yourself and you may find that you, yourself is actually your own best friend. When you are happy with yourself , then you will not ever or rarely ever be lonely. Remember, it is better to be lonely alone, than to be lonely in a crowd. God bless you

[@Automedon2]

Ben, you feel loneliness because you are ,undoubtedly, young. It's a sense of guilt that you aren't one of them no matter how hard you try. When you get old, loneliness becomes relief when you realize you weren't wrong all your life.

[@smokingcrab2290]

I recently discovered that all of my anxieties in life are due to the fact that I have felt immense pressure to conform. All of my shame is rooted in it as well. I had this mindset that I could never find my place in the world because I never had the things the world projects as desirable or worthy of love, value, etc. But it wasn't true. All those things I wnated were innate in me all along. I just had to abandon the chase and pave the path in life I want, not what others tell me I should want. True self leadership, self discovery, and true personal freedom comes from nonconfomity. But you have to do it for the right reasons. Don't blindly nonconform just because you "want to be different". You already are different. You shouldn't want to be anything but you. If you're going to not conform, do it to free yourself from the worlds lies. Don't lovr according to the world. It's all nothing but people wearing masks and taking their shit out on each other because none of them know how to deal with the discomforts the life of conformity brings.

[@darylfoster7944]

We are now living through the ultimate conformity. I never thought I would live to see people subjugating themselves to authoritarian edicts, at least not in the U.S.

[@jeremiahmeade710]

Such is the cycle of Earthly Societies.

[@Automedon2]

People in the US have always subjugated themselves to authority, just as they have everywhere. Your freedom has always been an illusion. Your job, your home, and everything you own can be taken away in and instant because we are trapped by debt and the fear of losing what we have. If anything, we are finally waking up to how easily we can be subjugated.

[@jeremiahmeade710]

@@Automedon2 True freedom is freedom of thought, and that freedom cannot possibly be an illusion. When one realizes the above, and they understand it and why it is desirable, then that one, if they fully embrace it, will not have any fear and they will probably do all they can feasibly do, within the spectrum of the reasonable, in order to not go into debt and get out of it as fast as is reasonably possible if they are already under it. People have been waking up to how fragile humans are since humans were around, but those who went against the grain of their societies, especially, for the most part, when those societies were ruled by a single individual or group of individuals, were stifled in their attempts to spread the truth. If they were not nerfed by a direct operation against themselves, then the relegation of themselves would have come from a myriad of people so large and loud that a single individual could not force himself into their minds. There are times when the thinkers were heard and listened to, though, and we have, at least, a portion of their words to this day.

[@jeremiahmeade710]

@@Automedon2 This video seems to get my point across nicely: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnPWcmqJbc-rnLc

[@Automedon2]

@@jeremiahmeade710 I am 65 now and thinking about it, I have been fearless for most of my life. I left home a week after my 17th birthday and traveled throughout the US, Canada and South America. There were many instances, looking back, when I should have been fearful, but I wasn't. Now, with possible 5-10 years left of life, even the slightest remnant of fear has completely left me. I live frugally, without debt. I own little in comparison to most Americans my age. I can honestly say I have lived exactly a I chose to my entire adult life. People have asked me why I have no fear of destitution in my old age, or illness or death and I have no answers - it's just the way I am. There are people who live under terrible dictatorships that are freer than people in the Western world, because it is a mindset that doesn't rely on the permission of others. if you let it oppress you, it will.

[@ewfq2]

Just wanted to express my appreciation for the amazing quality of your content, and the noticeable improvement compared to the first videos. I love the balance between depth and broadness, connecting different thinkers and ideas together, and how you put them into context. Also wanted to say I really really enjoyed the Carl Jung and the Shadow, notably how you added in some PDFs for extra reference. It would be amazing if you could do that for other videos as well, maybe an idea for a patreon perk? :)

[@academyofideas]

+Jin Lin Thanks for the comment, and I'm glad you enjoyed the videos on Carl Jung and the shadow I put a lot of work into them. We do offer quote books as a patreon perk. I appreciate the support all the best.

[@paulelago9453]

I love this video, I'm Namibian (African), although I'm critical about a lot of things in my culture , I always considered myself a conformist because I've assimilated into alot of social norms that I think are necessarily. I think it's important to understand why things are the way they are, before rejecting them.

[@craig7149]

I have a question about saying, to understand the way things are before rejecting? I people watch, see a line. A line that They think is going to a door. No advertisement to know what is inside. The line gets longer, I think, where is it headed? Could it be, important? People are naturally born to follow. They think the person ahead is a little more informed. But that is not true. Philosophers, great thinkers, are the ones who do not follow. They Think out, before They move. Referring to the line, it could be force feeding people of a cliff. Always calculate Your steps, be wise. Nonconformist People follow a lone path. We find the hidden jewels of Life.

[@paulelago9453]

@@craig7149 I mean, rejecting something because you don't understand it's purpose. Yes, I think we should follow because most of the time that is wise thing to do. You wouldn't survive very long if you refused to conform completely. E.g there are things you don't eat because they are bad for you (poisonous) you don't have to try them to find out if it's true for you or not, you follow the mob and only eat what everyone else eats. A non conformist could instinctively choose to reject rules because they are "oppressive", but probably also fail to understand why it is necessary to not have unrestricted freedom.

[@craig7149]

@@paulelago9453 I do understand where You are coming from to a point. Its not I will pick up a rattle snake to find out it is poisonous. We are not to be lacking in intelligence. To be Wise as serpents. The oppressed comes from the Oppesser. Who can that be?? Government s. Free thinkers are Ones who has done more than the Ones who lack knowledge. Gallilao question the privious one who said that there is 5000 stars. He quoted to many to count. As according to The Bible. When rules are set, theories and ECT. Do You think that A nonconformist will question? Yes! Per say, what's going on now, taking the vaccination. I question about the length of time to be approved, in 8 months? It takes 10 years to be approved. Think on this.

[@danielcarty9081]

You sir, have hit the mark! One of the best channels on youtube to date.

[@terra___photo]

One of the most amazing videos on KZbin EVER.

[@paulmoore7064]

I'm going to start a non-conformists club, just as soon as I come up with a slogan that isn't an oxymoron.

[@PR0XIDIAN]

Hahaha, this gem was lost on the comment section. Hilarious

[@KingKae7]

😂😂😂🔥

[@gaple1995]

You’re going to have a problem with enrollment. Just a hunch

[@markfreeman-uv7si]

The Square Pegs.

[@oblix4804]

"Yes, we know"

[@jacobzaranyika9334]

Thank you for your continued support.

[@galactyx1]

Eloquent, insightful & concise. Thank you!

[@TuxedoTalk]

I don't think I'd be a nonconformist if it wasn't for the internet. I was always different but it was the internet that made me secure in being so.

[@cdc3]

Being in the "out" group in High School probably did that for me. Peer pressure became irrelevant...

[@TuxedoTalk]

@@cdc3 I was an outcast as well but it was the internet that caused me to understand that there wasn't something wrong with me.

[@Aaron-vl3cu]

Love love love this channel. Thank you!

[@ryandavis6660]

I must say you presentation is excellent.. And much appreciated!

[@SlippinJimmy4Life]

I’m a weirdo myself so this makes me feel great

[@Torusbreathtraining]

Thanks for making these videos, you are doing great work for humanity and it’s all here available for free 💙 -much respect

[@bluestrife28]

Absolutely amazing and thought-provoking . Thanks! New fan here. You reminded my newly sober mind how much I love philosophy and thought in general. And, well, honestly, as someone always described as marching to their own drummer, I feel less alone after this video. :)

[@petroniaskho]

This channel has some of the best content on the internet. I only recently found you but will be supporting.

[@damiencogman]

I am so glad I didn't care about school so much!! I couldn't be kept in line haha all I wanted to do was be in a band and make music and that's what I did and still do today. I also have a lovely family, I am a black belt in kickboxing and also teach, I have a skilled job and great friends

[@martin2514]

I came off all social media everything, it is the best thing anyone can do. I don't watch the news and I refuse to be scared of someone with a phone and a twatter account.

[@danstrath5627]

Most interesting this was released 4 years ago. The hero archetype built up around the conformist regarding the covid jabs was a very heavy form of propaganda, of which I've seen many people adopt. Thank you for this insight

[@RaniPivot]

Ordered the book right away. Really cool to get a taste of all these topics from your videos

[@chrisbohanon403]

I love this channel!! It's like my third eye has opened!!! So much of this I know and live but I'm not articulate enough to explain!!!

[@jj-nh8lz]

Damn. Mind blowing material. This is definitely for those who are willing to take the “Red Pill” of unfettered truth.

[@neo_aliaga]

I like that you use the analogy of the red pill from the matrix. Because it's literally just that 👌🏻

[@lucian8533]

this channel is gold

[@uschimuckelkutsch9303]

Thank you so much for making these videos! This one was truly amazing

[@emilyganguly277]

Thank you so much for this one! Very helpful to understand why people can be so afraid and get fussy over nothing.

[@davidjohn9006]

Thank you once again for your presentation... more “food for thought” 👍🏼🇦🇺

[@allenquartermane6134]

Thank you soooo much for this video! I have lived my life as a nonconformist and seen as weird or off the wall because of not wanting to be a one trick pony! At times it can be a lonely endeavor to pursue this path among the hordes of folks bowing to the wishes of the elites to get in line or else! In my 68 years on this sod, I have had so many unique travels into various realms of life, that people find it hard to believe my stories of my experiences. I see life as a book to be read by those just starting out, and either there are many chapters, or empty blank pages!

[@neo_aliaga]

Happy to see more comments from people like you, sir. Makes me smile to see more people aware of the truth of this world and how we're slaves to the system. Hope you have amazing years to come!

[@priley817]

Beyond brilliant! Truly academy of ideas is a phenomenal man who breaks down our modern ailments.

[@1.4142]

Thank you Academy of Ideas, very cool!

[@chrispacer4231]

Adapting and conformity means two different things. In the military ( US ARMY ) we adapted and overcame. We never worried about what the situation became. We pushed through, completed the mission. Conforming is forced action, uncertainty, doubt, loss of ones spirit, then you scramble around to figure things out. What do I do

[@filler7149]

Conforming in the military is like being in a well-oiled machine. Each part works together for the main purpose (winning the fight and not dying.) Likewise being in a society works like a well-oiled machine but the purpose isnt winning the fight and not dying it's more often giving the people on the top more power and silly laws come in as a consequence. If you agree with the cause of the US military stay in the whole point is that you follow orders because if you dont you or your unit are screwed. That's not bad that's just common sense. If you're worried about being nonconformist dont worry you dont have to disagree with everything and go against everything to be a nonconformist you just need to go by your own beliefs not other peoples

[@davelavish8580]

I am a non conformity I always have been and always will he I am the lizard king and I can do anything stop trying to stand in my way and embrace me please. Cut the head off, grow back hard and am the hydra now you'll see your stat! I WILL NOT LOSE....EVER!!!!

[@davelavish8580]

I double down on this statement

[@justamoteofdust]

you just became the best channel in my list of KZbin channels. 🔥

[@jeffmorrison5695]

Thanks for the video. Lots of great points in it and got my brain looking at them in critical ways. Always a good thing.

[@HouseFairyDIY]

That makes sense. I'm a non-conformist and I am also not lazy. My annoying friend, however, is a conformist who tells me off all the time for being a non-conformist, and he's also lazy.

[@FLATearthGARY]

How true this is in the day the masks and maskless shaming!

[@mikestain5963]

And now the shot

[@christinapaterno5585]

@@mikestain5963 It’s a vaccine. It’s not rocket science. It’s not a big deal.

[@chrispacer4231]

@@christinapaterno5585 ITS A MATTER OF CHOICE… so it is a BIG DEAL

[@mikestain5963]

@@christinapaterno5585 but they shame ppl that dont have the shot saying that they are the reason its spreading...when in all reality... Ita not a cure. Ppl with thw shot are spreading it becauae they are not wearing masks, they think they have the cure.

[@christinapaterno5585]

@@mikestain5963 Do you know the statistics for the percentage of vaccinated versus unvaccinated people with confirmed COVID?

[@johnmiller7453]

Wow! Someone besides myself on to Becker. Man I fought for his ideas for years on forums and it was a uphill battle for sure and I made many enemies but in the end you can't debate against Becker successfully. I'm very glad to see you bringing to light this brilliant man's work. Interesting about the fear and laziness ideas. I think with me it's always been fearfulness. However I've been forced out of the herd due to my beliefs. I'm living in a no man's land between both worlds. Great video.

[@777impresso]

Every one video of yours is masterpiece, hitting in right place. Brother thank you, a lot!

[@dionkrebs4677]

Yeah school and all that control was not for me ...got out as fast as I could ...

[@SqueakyBarbarian]

I've always looked at things differently. It's just how I think. It's not intentional and it has been painful because I just don't "fit'. I love getting older because I just don't care anymore. I am what I am. And the deep friendships I have in my life are priceless. My friends get that I'm just different. I really don't see it. I am just what I am. And being a true non- conformist, I can only mimic social norms. I'm good at mimicking, but need a lot of time to myself to recharge. And the older I get, the more I know I will be more and more uniquely me. Watch out world.

[@transcendentsacredcourage]

Truth, Champ! 👑

[@blueship1114]

This is officially my favorite video on youtube now.

[@pederjohansen2029]

Another great talk. Always thoughtful and interesting

[@katherinekelly6432]

Non-Conformity is becoming a form of conformity

[@mahlina1220]

Not really. People non-conform for various non-conforming reasons. They never meet eye-to-eye.

[@Ucheva]

I love the people who spout off about being a "non-conformist" and such, usually using it for justification as to why they don't do something or another... but in reality they're just being a complete tool (as described at 1:34). Like first, why would a "non-conformist" be so eager to tell others about themselves, and second, they almost always conform in major ways to other aspects of society but only mention one or two things that they're quirky about.

[@maat8249]

Like, exactly, but like, why would you say you love that aspect and stuff? haha, yes, I agree, nevermind that joke.

[@sct3339]

Wrong!!

[@Jinxdinkle]

You wouldn’t survive as a nonconformist beyond a certain point though, you can only go off about one or two things because it’s tiring to do it on every subject

[@therealjzim]

this video is soo prelevant to the times we live in. wish more people would stumble upon it. its one of my favourites

[@calgoulden8223]

This is one of the most thought provoking videos I've ever watched

[@energ8t]

I felt it yesterday as my work pressured me to partake in a protest. They expect everyone to have the same myopic naive opinions.

[@_einodmilvado]

Yep

[@animefan2454]

says about a lot now a days.

[@deanhowell6730]

I feel that pressure will increase, excepdenully

[@wonderporium6822]

Protest of what ?

[@tenko5541]

Great video but I would argue that conformity is also a natural human reaction to our environment. We often conform without realizing that we are doing so.

[@4Mikes4Mindset4]

Until woken up. Wake up united corporate states of america

[@jimrose71]

EXCELLENT WORK HERE.GREAT FOOD FOR THOUGHT

[@mikec6733]

it said most adults don't feel that they're capable of bringing anything extraordinary unto the world. maybe this is why people have children. it is a miraculous process, and offers the hope that the child may be capable of something extraordinary.

[@andynixon2820]

Time for a life of Brian quote - "yes , we're all individuals " .

[@justaname6011]

We find conformity comfortable because by doing that we are welcomed in an environment that is familiar to us and that, triggers a primitive nature in us, the search for familial and stability to maximize our chances of survival. Thank you for your time to read this, feel free to correct me. Also I am open for debates if they are done in a polite manner. Edit: typo

[@jeremiahmeade710]

Tis not a primitive nature, but, rather, tis relative to humans at all times until the end of time. It is unreason, a rebellion against God Himself. It is not primitive to rebel against God, it is natural to desire to do His will, and unreason came after. Innocence came before virginity was lost. Pride took it by unreason, or Love by reason. Pride turned a human into a whore. Humility turned a whore back into a human.

[@truthseek3017]

This information is pure gold.

[@tamadeus7189]

"The opposite of courage in our day and time is not cowardice, it's conformity."