A crowd is less likely to strengthen our character. It is more likely a hindrance. In letter 7 from Seneca, he talks about why avoiding mass crowds is advisable. We are enough as we are and, as individuals, life is better lived in following our own heart than the path of the status quo. If we venture into reasons why the crowd or status quo will discourage our true nature, is simply because often the crowd isn’t a true representation of our character.

As we meet the crowd, we also meet comparison to others. This may create strong and unnecessary judgement both inwardly and externally. We stumble into crowd beliefs that while may or may not agree upon, we attach to external beliefs out of some level of respect or obligation. A sense of belonging! This can be damaging for our character, particularly when external beliefs go against our inner values. Particularly when external “crowd” beliefs don’t allow room for new and varied beliefs. Character is built by those who maintain an open mind. A crowd can silence what is within and yet it is this that provides us with the most strength and joy in life.

I summarise, we must stick to our own path in life. The crowd is not a great guide but a deterrent. We are our best guide. The hero’s journey is an individual one. When taking action, we should do it from a place that we understand. When thinking, the thoughts must be our own and make sense – influenced by other thoughts, external and within, yet not owned by another. When we speak, we must speak from the heart. Keep it simple! Following the crowd or becoming lost in a tribe may only complicate our journey.

Daily Journals – Thoughts, Reflections & Meditations by Leigh Martinuzzi