institutions, social circle, as well as media and social networks. As a result, a person becomes susceptible to various norms and rules that shape his perception of the world and himself. The family plays a key role in this process. If a child is taught in childhood that he must always meet the expectations of others, this can lead to the formation of dependence on the opinions of others. For example, parents may focus on successes or failures, which further affects the child’s self-esteem. In such circumstances, he begins to make decisions not based on his own desires and beliefs, but based on what, in his opinion, others expect from him. This can lead to suppression of independent thinking and fear of original ideas and risks. In addition, educational institutions and peers also have a significant impact on the formation of mental attitudes. In a school where the emphasis is on standardized tests and assessments, students may begin to perceive knowledge as a means to gain approval, rather than as a way of self-expression or personal growth. As a result, many of them become part of an unconscious society where individuality is suppressed, and they begin to act like cogs in a huge machine. Social media reinforces this addiction by creating the illusion of perfect lives and standards. Users, diving into the world of social media or TikTok may encounter distorted ideas about what it means to be successful or happy. This creates pressure to meet certain standards, which further exacerbates the problem. A person finds himself trapped in public opinion, losing the opportunity to think critically and make independent decisions. It is important to note that such mental attitudes can have long-term consequences for mental health. The constant desire to please others can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. People who cannot express their individuality often experience a feeling of emptiness and dissatisfaction with life. To restore your individuality and learn to think independently, you need to actively work on yourself. This includes analyzing your attitudes and beliefs. It is useful to ask yourself the questions: “What do I really want?”, “What am I afraid of?” and “Why do I make certain decisions?”. Finding sources of inspiration, such as books, courses, or communicating with people who have different views on life, can help you move beyond the imposed norms. In addition, it is important to develop critical thinking. This means the ability to analyze information, separate facts from opinions and not take everything at face value. Participating in discussions, exchanging opinions, and working on your own projects can help build confidence in yourself and your beliefs. Ultimately, the path to restoring individuality and independent thinking is a process that requires time and effort. But it is necessary in order to become not just a part of society, but a full-fledged personality capable of making informed decisions and living in accordance with their own values.
Let’s delve into the question of the formation of our consciousness and thinking, especially in the context of modern society, where information is available even on the fingertips that touch the touch screen of any of the gadgets. We live in an era when everyone can become a source of information, but the paradox is that many people prefer not to think for themselves. Instead, they become “repeaters” – like parrots, retelling other people’s thoughts and ideas, often without realizing it. This phenomenon is noticeable in various aspects of life, including social networks, where users share standard phrases and “hot” topics without thinking about their depth or meaning. This behavior leads to a stereotypical perception of life. People follow predefined scenarios: study, work, get married, have children, buy housing. These patterns permeate all areas – from choosing a profession to building personal relationships. As a result, we see a lot of the same stories about “successful” careers, “ideal” families and “happy” vacations, which, in fact, are just variations of the same instruction. This homogeneity creates the illusion of security and stability, but at the same time deprives life of depth, meaning and individuality. Many of us don’t ask important questions.: “What is really important to me? What brings me happiness? Who am I really?” Often we simply accept social norms and expectations, without thinking about the fact that they may not coincide with our personal desires and aspirations. However, it is worth noting that such a pattern is not always a negative aspect. It can provide convenience, predictability and minimize uncertainty in our existence. Patterns become a kind of “social contract” that allows us to confidently expect certain behavior from others. Nevertheless, in order to go beyond these patterns and find your own unique path, you need to get rid of dependence on other people’s opinions and attitudes. This requires courage and a willingness to introspect, as well as openness to unexpected turns and setbacks. It is often through mistakes and trials that we can better understand ourselves and our true desires. The path to independent thinking can be difficult and thorny, but it leads to a richer and more meaningful life. It is also important to note that in the modern world, where information and opinions literally “fall” on us from all sides, critical thinking becomes especially relevant. The ability to analyze, compare and draw conclusions based on one’s own observations and experience are skills that need to be developed in order not to fall victim to stereotypes and patterns. Reading books, participating in debates, communicating with people with different views – all this helps to broaden horizons and form an independent opinion. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the impact of technology on our consciousness. Social networks, algorithms and digital platforms shape our perception of the world, often adapting it to existing patterns. It is important to learn to be aware of this influence and not to succumb to it, while maintaining your individuality and uniqueness. Thus, the formation of our consciousness and thinking is a complex and multifaceted process that requires us to actively participate and be aware. We must be prepared not only to follow the established norms, but also to ask questions, look for answers and, perhaps, create our own templates that will reflect our individuality and unique life path.
In any society, there is a steady tendency towards conservative or formulaic thinking. People who are accustomed to established norms, patterns and orders are often afraid of change and often meet any changes with harsh criticism. This can be compared to the behavior of a pack of monkeys, where each individual acts in accordance with established behavioral patterns. The sudden appearance of a monkey who wants to do something differently causes discontent among others who are accustomed to stability and routine. Such an individual becomes a “black sheep” – different from the pack, and causes sharp rejection. The “White Crow” is faced with various forms of resistance: its ideas are questioned, reduced to zero, it is mocked, and in extreme cases it is even expelled from the pack. This creates enormous pressure, which can lead to a loss of faith in your abilities and ideas due to the negative impact of others. However, it is important to remember that even if the “white crow” turns out to be in the minority, this does not make its thoughts and ideas less valuable or important. Interestingly, similar phenomena are observed not only in the animal world, but also in human society. History is full of examples of people who, following their beliefs, changed the course of events. For example, Albert Einstein, who proposed his theory of relativity, faced distrust and ridicule from the scientific community at the beginning of his career. His ideas were so radical that many could not accept them. Nevertheless, over time, his concepts became the basis of modern physics. A classic example of a “white crow” in the modern world is Elon Musk. He is not afraid to challenge established norms and actively introduces innovations in areas such as space technology, electric vehicles and sustainable energy development. Despite numerous critical reviews and doubts from the public, his ideas and projects continue to evolve and change the world. It is important to understand that even if there are a thousand “monkeys” and Elon Musk is one, he still remains unique, and they are only part of the pack. In addition, it should be noted that in a rapidly changing world where technology and social norms are evolving at an incredible rate, the ability to think differently and take risks becomes especially important. People who are willing to challenge traditions and offer new ideas can become catalysts for change that will lead to an improvement in the life of society as a whole. Thus, the “white crows” not only have the right to exist, but also play a key role in progress. Their experiences and ideas can inspire others, helping to overcome the fear of change and opening up new horizons for future generations.
