Years and years ago, warfare was quite common whenever different beliefs clashed against one other and refused to settle their differences.

Religion was one such cause of this constant fighting. For instance, the battles between Catholicism and the newly emerging Protestant branches in 16th century Europe.

“Protestants believe that the sacraments are like ladders that God gave to us by which we can climb up to Him. Catholics believe that they are like ladders that God gave to Himself by which He climbs down to us.”

Peter Kreeft

Now, in the present, there isn’t as much violence as there was in the medieval past due to differing beliefs.

What am I getting at? Well, look at it this way: Catholicism was the norm then, and individuals believed that the norm simply wasn’t for them. Just like how certain standards of society are the norm and some believed that the norm wasn’t for them.

Conformity can be good or bad. For some, blending in isn’t exactly ideal. Standing out and being noticeable is certainly more preferable, as it allows you to be memorable and leave a lasting mark on the world.

That’s what most people want and should probably strive for. However, sometimes you may stand out for something that people wouldn’t praise or speak highly of. That would instead earn judgement or perhaps disapproval, leaving a mark on the world that, maybe, you didn’t want there.

But all of this differs from person to person. How one expresses themselves is entirely up to them. They can choose to follow through with what they learned that will keep them under the radar of the piercing eyes of society, or allow themselves to be seen.

I, myself, am quite conflicted with conformity. On one hand, I do not want to go completely unnoticed, as the thought of being completely forgotten or simply “thrown away” is, frankly, terrifying. On the other, I am afraid of the spotlight, though it’s unlikely I could even find myself underneath one. Regardless, sometimes I am torn.

But I don’t dwell on it much. I continue with life the way I am, and make my decisions for the future. I may not be what society would want me to be, but perhaps I am happier that way.

*The featured image is cut off, so here is the full one.