It's cool to be different and just be who you are and shock

"It's cool to be different and just be who you are and shock people in a good way." – Brendon Urie.

In this thought-provoking quote, Brendon Urie speaks to the power of authenticity and individuality. He champions the idea that being different is not only acceptable but desirable. Rather than conforming to societal expectations, Urie encourages us to embrace who we truly are, even if it means shocking others in a positive and surprising way. His words echo the ancient wisdom that true greatness lies in the courage to express oneself freely, without fear of judgment. To be different, in Urie’s view, is to stand out, to challenge norms, and to carve out a unique identity in a world that often values conformity over individuality.

The ancient philosophers were often preoccupied with the concept of authenticity. Socrates believed that knowing oneself was the first step toward wisdom. He would ask his followers, “Who are you?” not to elicit an answer based on societal roles or expectations, but to prompt them to find their true selves beneath the layers of external influences. For Socrates, and for many ancient thinkers, the path to wisdom and virtue was through self-discovery, and this could only be achieved by breaking free of the pressures to conform. Urie’s sentiment mirrors this ancient wisdom—by being true to ourselves, by shocking others in a good way with our authenticity, we embrace the beauty of individuality.

Consider the story of Leonardo da Vinci, one of history’s greatest minds. Da Vinci was not just an artist; he was a visionary, unafraid to break with tradition and approach the world in innovative ways. His inventions and works of art, like the Mona Lisa, were revolutionary not just in their technique but in their very conception. Da Vinci’s refusal to conform to the norms of his time, his courage to express ideas that challenged the status quo, is a testament to the power of being different. Just as Urie suggests, da Vinci shocked the world with his ideas, not to create chaos, but to inspire change and progress, to push humanity forward.

In the same vein, the Renaissance itself was a period of rebirth and discovery, where the established structures of thought and culture were questioned and redefined. Figures like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Copernicus all dared to be different, to step away from tradition, and in doing so, they changed the course of history. Their shock was not in being disruptive for the sake of disruption, but in their boldness to challenge accepted truths and to express new ideas that had the potential to reshape the world. Their lives show that being different—shocking people in a good way—can lead to innovation, freedom, and lasting impact.

Urie’s quote also speaks to the importance of embracing uniqueness in the context of modern society. In a world where social media amplifies both the pressures to conform and the beauty of individuality, the act of being authentic has become an act of rebellion in its own right. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, is a perfect example of someone who was able to shock the world with his unconventional ideas. Jobs was not interested in following established paths but in creating products that would disrupt industries. He didn’t conform to traditional ideas of what technology should be, and in doing so, he revolutionized the world. His refusal to bow to expectations and his relentless pursuit of his unique vision remind us of the power of authenticity in creating something truly groundbreaking.

The lesson here is clear: embrace who you are and do not be afraid to stand out. Like Urie, we should see the value in being different, in pursuing our passions, and in expressing our individuality. Society may attempt to box us into predefined roles, but true fulfillment comes when we break free from those expectations. Each of us carries within us the potential to shock the world in positive ways, whether through art, innovation, leadership, or personal growth. The most lasting impact we can have comes not from blending in, but from boldly expressing our unique selves.

In our own lives, we can take Brendon Urie’s advice and choose to be unapologetically authentic. It may not always be easy, as society often rewards conformity, but the future belongs to those who dare to be different. Embrace your quirks, your unique perspectives, and your passions, knowing that in doing so, you are contributing to a world that is richer, more diverse, and more inspiring. Whether you are an artist, a scientist, or a teacher, shocking the world in a good way can be as simple as being true to yourself. When we stop pretending to be something we are not and embrace our true selves, we unlock our greatest potential and begin to make the most profound impact on those around us.