In a world teeming with diverse perspectives, it becomes evident that consensus does not always equate to truth. The realization that 7,000 West Africans or even all 7 billion people on this planet can be wrong is both humbling and liberating. True creativity flourishes when we dare to express our unique thoughts and ideas, even if they challenge the prevailing notions. It requires a certain level of stubbornness, an unwavering belief in your own insights, and the courage to question the status quo. Embrace the courage to break free from the shackles of popular opinion. Cherish the creative sparks within and have the audacity to pursue your original ideas.
Throughout history, there have been remarkable individuals who stood against popular opinion and paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries. Take the story of physicist Murray Gell-Mann, who faced initial opposition and skepticism. Despite seven experiments seemingly disproving his theory, Gell-Mann persevered and eventually proved all the experiments wrong. His unwavering conviction in his ideas ultimately led to a scientific breakthrough. This example reminds us that greatness often lies in the audacity to trust our instincts and stay true to our convictions. The key idea is to identify the relevant principles with which you are working and to solicit real-world feedback on your ideas.
While seeking advice and counsel from others can be beneficial, true innovation seldom emerges from the consensus of thousands. You must be patient as you nurture and develop your original ideas. It will be difficult to obtain external validation early on; therefore, you must have faith that you are on the right track. Something that 7,000 people agree on will not produce cutting-edge work. No original idea can get 7,000 votes right away. Play it safe by seeking approval from the outside world that what you’re working on is legitimate, or change the game by sticking to the original ideas within your spirit.
