“They” and “Them” are society, the faceless masses that want to control us. Existing in the world means existing alongside others. Without “Them” to structure and create worlds you can live in, you couldn’t exist in a meaningful way. The “They” make human life possible. Without “Them”, you’re nothing!

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That’s conflicting, in a way, because: The smart thinking is that we get lost and entangled in the worldly immersion. We have to be capable of understanding our existence in a way NOT defined by “Them.”

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In the chaos of the everyday, we tend to fall away from what we are, existing not as individual “I-Selves” but as “They-Selves.” Although, “They” are necessary to your existence, don’t forget that part of what being in the world means, is to maintain a sense of self APART from “Them.”

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It’s a natural tendency to express the identity of the faceless crowd, but we must remember who we are and not get lost in the world of “Them.”

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Being an individual means creating a meaning for your life that reflects your uniqueness without the need to borrow external values. Society fears the unique person because “They” want to pressure people to love mediocrity and passivity. “They” want people to conform.

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I want to be an Individual but “They” and “Them” don’t want me to be unique.

“They” want to take away my Self-Control. How do they do it?

Have you ever succumbed to pressure from parents or friends? They want you to do something their way because they think it is right. When you take their advice you allow external ideas to determine your direction and “They” control you life!

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When people tell you: “Don’t do that, what will “They” think?” “That’s not what “people” do.” Who are “They” and “People”? They mean the voice of society in general. You are to conform to the external pressures of the crowd.

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The crowd preaches conformism and mediocrity. But the nature of the individual is to strive for uniqueness when engaging with life.

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You must strive to be a self-created individual. The meaning you give to your life must be unique to you. You must create your own meaning and purpose.

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So in conclusion, the individual must find counsel in his or herself rather than in the “Others.” Man’s identity is a basic part of his being: he can only assert it by refusing to conform to society’s “norms’ entirely. Don’t always listen to “They” and “Them.”

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Strive to maintain control over yourself.

Remember: “Self-expression is good; self-control is better!”

Also published on Medium.