Society is important and necessary for certain aspects of…

Society is important and necessary for certain aspects of conformity. But it should not come at the expense of individuals who have unique abilities that can benefit the humankind. Sometimes breaking the mold of society enables you to become the author of your own life and maybe the true meaning of responsibility. Society. Conformity. Individuality. Living.

— from Friends, Community & Society (Relationships/Community/Society) · Sick Souls, Healthy Minds- How William James Can Save Your Life by John Kaag

In the book

It means accountability, which is the bedrock of any well-functioning society, and it means the courage to speak up when you see something wrong that can be corrected — not to fear doing so, because certain people have an obligation to society to be that voice, and you are now one of them. But hold this in balance: a healthy society needs a measure of conformity, yet it must never demand it at the expense of the individuals who carry unique gifts. Belong fully — and still live deliberately, by your own honest scorecard, rather than simply doing what everyone around you does. […] Belong by contributing. Find the people who care about what you care about, and earn your place by being useful rather than by being praised. Be a good citizen. Go beyond being a good neighbor to taking responsibility for the wider whole; speak up when something is wrong; but never surrender your own gifts to the crowd. Keep widening the circle. Refuse entitlement, bring others into your good fortune, and participate generously in the well-being of those around you. — Friends, Community & Society (Relationships/Community/Society)

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