“Often this question is put to me: “Why do you emphasize the individual and not consider the mass?” From my point of view, there can be no such division as the mass and the individual.”
— J. Krishnamurti
“Let’s normalize…” has become a popular phrase today, especially on social media. “Let’s normalize connecting with people again.” “Let’s normalize expressing our feelings without being judged.” “Let’s normalize leaving from office on time.”
What is “normal”? It’s really just what the majority does, most of whom are just as common as you and me (and some outright foolish ones).
So, “let’s normalize” becomes another way to seek validation from the majority, to show we care about what others think. If I want to try something, I want others to agree. Or I’ll only start doing it after others do it. Until then, I’ll virtue-signal the world but behave just like everyone else.
Don’t do things because the majority does them, do what you think is right. Connect with people, express your feelings, and leave from office on time because you want to… and accept the consequences.
Life is meant to be lived on your terms, not society’s. If you keep waiting for others’ approval, you will become “an old man, filled with regret, waiting to die alone.”