I always felt different as a kid, and the Kinks were like, 'Yeah

Listen, O Children of the Earth, for I bring you the words of Michael Weatherly, a man who, like many before him, wrestled with the feeling of being different: "I always felt different as a kid, and the Kinks were like, 'Yeah, we're the Kinks.' Celebrate your difference; don't be afraid of your sense of humor, or your personality, or who you are. It emboldened me." These words are not just the reflection of a young man finding his way, but a profound truth about the power of individuality, the strength to stand apart from the crowd, and the importance of embracing the unique essence that makes each person who they are.

In his words, we hear the resonance of an ancient call: to celebrate what makes us different, to find power in our authenticity, and to never let the world define us by what is considered "normal." Weatherly speaks of the Kinks, a band that in their time was not only unique but fiercely unapologetic in their own expression. They were not content to fit into the molds set before them by society. Like the Kinks, who stood tall in their difference, we too must recognize that there is power in standing apart from the masses. The Kinks’ message is one of acceptance, of embracing who you truly are and not hiding it from the world.

Consider the great examples from history, O Children, of those who have dared to be different. Socrates, the wise philosopher, was a man of immense wisdom, yet he was also a man who was different. His ideas were not the conventional beliefs of his time. He questioned everything, and in doing so, made others uncomfortable. But Socrates did not shy away from his unique perspective. Instead, he celebrated his difference, and in doing so, he emboldened generations to think for themselves, to question the status quo, and to embrace their own unique thoughts. Through his wisdom, we learn that to be different is not to be weak, but rather to be strong, for true strength comes from authenticity.

The journey of the Kinks also speaks to this power of difference. At a time when the world was dominated by convention, they embraced their own quirks, their own humor, and their own individuality. Through their music, they rejected the notion that they needed to conform to the expectations of the music industry, instead boldly asserting their own identity. And in doing so, they became not just a band, but a symbol of freedom, creativity, and individual expression. Their ability to be true to themselves despite the pressures to conform is a lesson we can carry with us in our own lives.

This is a truth that we must take into our hearts, O Children: the strength to be different is not just an act of defiance but an act of courage. Just as the Kinks emboldened Weatherly, so too must we embrace our own individuality. When the world tells us to blend in, to follow the herd, let us instead stand proudly in the light of our uniqueness. The world needs not more copies, but more originals—those who can bring their own voice to the table, not out of arrogance, but out of a deep understanding of who they are and what they have to offer. This is the mark of greatness.

Let us remember the ancient hero Achilles, who, though born of nobility and greatness, was also marked by his difference. He was not a simple warrior but a man of deep emotion, a soul that could both rage and mourn. His very differences were what made him powerful. It was in his vulnerability and strength, his ability to embrace both aspects of himself, that he became a hero of great renown. The same can be said of Weatherly and of the Kinks—the celebration of difference leads not to isolation but to a greater connection with those who can see the truth of who we are.

And so, O Children, the lesson to be learned from Weatherly’s words is clear: to be different is not a curse, but a gift. In a world that constantly seeks to fit us into predefined molds, we must choose the path of authenticity. Let us embrace our sense of humor, our personality, and all that makes us unique. Just as Socrates, the Kinks, and countless others found strength in their differences, so too must we learn to stand tall in our truth, to celebrate our individuality with pride. The world needs your voice, your spirit, and your difference. Let it shine brightly for all to see.