The focused mind is mans basic guide to life. Conformism and non-conformism are irrelevant. Burke hated the focused mind, rationalizing it with an appeal to self-contempt, "Suppose you're stupid." Thus the sustainable stupidity of 300,000 years of conservative cultures. And the conservative claim that the only alternative is non-conformism. And thus Ayn Rand's recognition (_The Fountainhead_, 1946) that using conformism, pro or con, as a standard, is a rationalization of the evasion of the focused mind. She satirizes modern art. Non-conformism is not a positive alternative. Both conformism and non-conformism are products of the unfocused mind.
Bryan
There’s multiple motives to conform or rebel.
Selfish desire, anger, alternate beliefs, etc.,
Think Socrates, Isaiah, Henry 4, Voltaire , Servetus, Jefferson, etc.,
But, maybe one valid reason is to fulfill ones responsibilities, duties. Not fulfill selfish ambition.
Feed your family, pay debts, protect children.
Of course, that depends on what you view as your responsibility.
Tell the truth - Socrates; worship god - Moses; condemn wickedness- Isaiah; translate bible - Tyndall; resist infamy - Voltaire; better government - Jefferson.
I once read (can’t remember where) freedom is the flip side of duty.
Thanks
Clay
The focused mind is mans basic guide to life. Conformism and non-conformism are irrelevant. Burke hated the focused mind, rationalizing it with an appeal to self-contempt, "Suppose you're stupid." Thus the sustainable stupidity of 300,000 years of conservative cultures. And the conservative claim that the only alternative is non-conformism. And thus Ayn Rand's recognition (_The Fountainhead_, 1946) that using conformism, pro or con, as a standard, is a rationalization of the evasion of the focused mind. She satirizes modern art. Non-conformism is not a positive alternative. Both conformism and non-conformism are products of the unfocused mind.