So I disagree that “non-conformists” are worse off, for this definition of “non-conformist”. People willing to make socially brave choices stand to gain a lot; people who are completely craven in the face of any social opprobrium wind up trapped in circumstances that don’t suit them well.
We clearly disagree on the definition of “nonconformity.” If you use this word for any instance of resisting social pressure, then clearly you are right, but it also means that everyone is a nonconformist except people who live their entire lives as silent, frightened, and obedient doormats for others. Any success in life is practically impossible if you don’t stand up for yourself when it’s smart to do so, and if you don’t exploit some opportunities opened by the hypocritical distinctions between the nominal and real rules of social interactions and institutions. But I wouldn’t call any of that “nonconformity,” a term which I reserve for opposition to truly serious and universally accepted rules and respectable beliefs. Of course, it makes little sense to argue over definitions, so I guess we can leave it at that.
If it makes any difference to you, my definition of “nonconformist” was someone who exhibits some social courage. For example, someone who decides to leave college to pursue plans of his own. Many people don’t stand up for themselves even a little. Or acknowledge to themselves that they don’t desire what other people expect for them. I have a hard time with this myself, which is why I don’t take this ability for granted. That’s all I meant by “nonconformist.” Don’t take the terminology too seriously
We clearly disagree on the definition of “nonconformity.” If you use this word for any instance of resisting social pressure, then clearly you are right, but it also means that everyone is a nonconformist except people who live their entire lives as silent, frightened, and obedient doormats for others. Any success in life is practically impossible if you don’t stand up for yourself when it’s smart to do so, and if you don’t exploit some opportunities opened by the hypocritical distinctions between the nominal and real rules of social interactions and institutions. But I wouldn’t call any of that “nonconformity,” a term which I reserve for opposition to truly serious and universally accepted rules and respectable beliefs. Of course, it makes little sense to argue over definitions, so I guess we can leave it at that.
Thanks for the clarification. I tend to call what you call non-conformists “sole dissenters”. I’ve never done this.
If it makes any difference to you, my definition of “nonconformist” was someone who exhibits some social courage. For example, someone who decides to leave college to pursue plans of his own. Many people don’t stand up for themselves even a little. Or acknowledge to themselves that they don’t desire what other people expect for them. I have a hard time with this myself, which is why I don’t take this ability for granted. That’s all I meant by “nonconformist.” Don’t take the terminology too seriously