Do you stand out substantially from society?

I feel like I have lived a dozen life times all in one, but I have yet to even enter into my mid-twenties. Most of the individuals I can ever relate to or understand me are about twice or thrice my age. I do not fit into my own age group, even if I attempt to try. I am much more intelligent, conceptual, ambitious, and speculative than the average norm. I have always felt that I had a unique purpose or burden on this planet, but I never knew why. Sometimes, I can know things about people naturally, whether it be dark secrets of the past or events that can eventually happen further down their life road. I even have dreams that occasionally happen, either in symbols or in exact replicas. More importantly, I have hardly met anyone else who feels the same way. I have met perhaps one or two others, and we met at the most random circumstances but we live far apart to ever meet in person. All I know is that we want to do great things, but we do not have the resources to do them. I find myself in a position to try and locate other individuals like myself to see if I don’t feel the same way in this world. Perhaps more can be accomplished if we find each other?

Do you:
Spend a lot of your time speculating about world issues and how you’d like to solve them?
Want more out of your life?
People not understand you or simply ignore you?
Have a lot of creative abilities (writing, drawing, dancing, music, etc) and interests, either untapped or tapped?
Thrive on new ideas that could change your life and others?
Have dreams, gut feelings, or other weird experiences that end up happening?
Feel like we are in a very unique and perhaps even scary era right now in our world?
Know you have great talents but are underappreciated by your peers, family, or friends/acquaintances?
Think your road of life has been extremely difficult in attempting to become successful?
Have an undying urge to do something great?
Always wonder why you are here?
Sometimes wonder if you’re even human at all?

This is the story of my life. Is yours similar?

Surely it's not what you do or say or think, but the way you go about it--the how--that makes you 'stand out substantially from society'. :cookiemonster:

Well said.

^ What Moose said.

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Originally Posted by mrwhite

Do you:
Spend a lot of your time speculating about world issues and how you’d like to solve them?
Want more out of your life?
People not understand you or simply ignore you?
Have a lot of creative abilities (writing, drawing, dancing, music, etc) and interests, either untapped or tapped?
Thrive on new ideas that could change your life and others?
Have dreams, gut feelings, or other weird experiences that end up happening?
Feel like we are in a very unique and perhaps even scary era right now in our world?
Know you have great talents but are underappreciated by your peers, family, or friends/acquaintances?
Think your road of life has been extremely difficult in attempting to become successful?
Have an undying urge to do something great?
Always wonder why you are here?
Sometimes wonder if you’re even human at all?

This is the story of my life. Is yours similar?

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I think you are making the mistake of thinking that what you say can change the fact that you are relatively alone.

Perception determines conception, conception determines will. Therefore, words without experience, without conceptual ability, are futile. Best thing to do is just accomplish what you desire.

The will you are attempting to construct can only be your own. If that inspires anyone, so be it, but don't count on it.

I had the exact same mindset and thinking as you do now. I think it's just a part of growing up as a teenager who is intelligent. I've defined certain stages of this process, but it's based on myself and a few others, so I can't be certain it applies to everyone. I think you'll get over this soon and just start using your intelligence for everyday things and for your future. I wanted to change things for the world also, but you find it's impossible. Well not impossible, but you'll soon come to realize it will never be exactly what you wanted.

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Originally Posted by KushyBear

I had the exact same mindset and thinking as you do now. I think it's just a part of growing up as a teenager who is intelligent. I've defined certain stages of this process, but it's based on myself and a few others, so I can't be certain it applies to everyone. I think you'll get over this soon and just start using your intelligence for everyday things and for your future. I wanted to change things for the world also, but you find it's impossible. Well not impossible, but you'll soon come to realize it will never be exactly what you wanted.

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You cannot change anybody. Perception determines conception, conception determines will. Thus, as was stated in a book, you provide examples, provide opportunities, let people make of it what they can. For no one can open a mind, but the mind itself, or in a mystery, "What he shall shut, none shall open, and what he shall open, none shall shut." Or simply put, you know and understand what you know and understand.

This is true of every environmental acquisition system of a living organism. No one can eat for you, breathe for you, hear for you--nor can you do these things for anyone else. Simply give them a breath of fresh air, or bread, or a blanket to keep warm--what they make of it, is what they are. Some will be thankful, others fearful. Some will return in measure, some will demand more, some will toss it back in your face. It changes nothing. You change the world simply by being that change.

Approached in this manner, one should never "burn out" but simply be a light.

I found a video of philosopher8659 giving a talk at TED:

That was before I cut my hair, and starting drinking really hard. Of course, I had my microwave oven fixed also.

Being an introvert, I tend to think and reflect more than many people, because I'm by myself more, as well as in a more personal and peaceful environment. I'd say I stand out well from the rest of my classmates, but society... Hmm...

Sure, I don't have buckets of friends like the more "popular" people have, but I'm happy with myself. I'm an artist, I'm good at biology and am surprisingly not failing my AP chem class, and I'm currently discovering my acting talents... Yeah. I have this funny feeling that I'm going to go places, if that makes any sense.

I am not interested in many of the things the majority of people of my age group are interested in, but since most of my interests still have a fairly large number of people interested in them, then I would say for me, not particularly. Here, I will answer your problems.

Do you:
Spend a lot of your time speculating about world issues and how you’d like to solve them?
Yes, but it I don't think it is my responsibility to fix the world. I am responsible for my own contentment and producing as much/more than I consume. Other than that, I will offer my opinions and do what I can to not get in the way of others, but I make no plans to actually fix world issues.Want more out of your life?
Yep. And I believe I am setting myself up on a road to do just that. If I want it, I should take it.
People not understand you or simply ignore you?
Sure this happens. But rather than be disillusioned like some and think they are just people that don't understand because they are just like everyone else in the world, I figure it is not their responsibility to pay attention to me or understand me. Almost invariably, when I have taken the time to get to know people I didn't relaly like or didn't get, (or they didn't get me,) I have come to like them more. Rarely does it happen that the more I know someone the less I like them.
Have a lot of creative abilities (writing, drawing, dancing, music, etc) and interests, either untapped or tapped?
Most of my interests and pursuits are artistic, yes.
Thrive on new ideas that could change your life and others?
Absolutely. I love discussing new things and change my mind on major issues when appropriate.Have dreams, gut feelings, or other weird experiences that end up happening?
Hmm. None that I think cannot be explained by natural instincts or coincidence.
Feel like we are in a very unique and perhaps even scary era right now in our world?
In some ways, yes. But I imagine people have always felt like that. Granted, throughout most of history there has never been a time when any one group could wipe out the rest of humanity. But should something catastrophic happen that does kill most of humanity, well, we were never going to last forever as a species, anyway. Life will probably go on.
Know you have great talents but are underappreciated by your peers, family, or friends/acquaintances?
Pleasing or appreciating me or my talents is not the responsibility of my family or friends. The only thing they owe me is perhaps thanks or some return should I substaintially improve their life through some production of mine. Otherwise, they are the subject of their lives and me of mine.
Think your road of life has been extremely difficult in attempting to become successful?
Not more than the road of many others who did become successful. Lots of people go through lots of adversity, my life has not been unjust especially compared to theirs.
Have an undying urge to do something great?
Yep. And I am attempting to do it.
Always wonder why you are here?
Sure. I have my own beliefs on why, but at some point I figure that I shouldn't wait for some light in the sky answer and just do what I think is right.
Sometimes wonder if you’re even human at all?
I often wonder about my prehensile tail, yes.

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I have always felt that I had a unique purpose or burden on this planet, but I never knew why.

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I am much more intelligent, conceptual, ambitious, and speculative than the average norm..

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thrice my age

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Sometimes, I can know things about people naturally, whether it be dark secrets of the past or events that can eventually happen further down their life road..

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More importantly, I have hardly met anyone else who feels the same way..

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..should i keep going or have your super duper powers of observation kicked in yet :P

I'm a 25 year old scientist hippy, yeah I stand out.

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Originally Posted by greenhavoc

..should i keep going or have your super duper powers of observation kicked in yet :p

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beware teh indigo kiddies!!!

No.

Yes and No I guess. But mostly Yes.

Everything you just said, just made me so happy. You must be my other half, because that's exactly where I am at in life right now. The sad part? I'm only 16.

Spend a lot of your time speculating about world issues and how you’d like to solve them? yes
Want more out of your life? yes
People not understand you or simply ignore you? yes
Have a lot of creative abilities (writing, drawing, dancing, music, etc) and interests, either untapped or tapped? yes
Thrive on new ideas that could change your life and others? yes
Have dreams, gut feelings, or other weird experiences that end up happening? yes
Feel like we are in a very unique and perhaps even scary era right now in our world? yes
Know you have great talents but are underappreciated by your peers, family, or friends/acquaintances? yes
Think your road of life has been extremely difficult in attempting to become successful? yes
Have an undying urge to do something great? yes
Always wonder why you are here? yes
Sometimes wonder if you’re even human at all? yes

I'm personally glad I stand out, but not for attention or anything silly like that. I don't have a lot of friends but more than I could ask for to say the least. Being apart of the world is one thing, but to feel like you don't belong in it, well that just makes us stronger than anything. To live a life separated from evil and ocean is a life worth living for. We can do great things, we just haven't figured out how yet. Cheers, I'm really glad you made this thread.

pssst....I'm trying not to stand out :paranoid:

has anyone else noticed our mr.white has only made one post?

Odd. I feel as if I could have written this myself. In fact, I stumbled upon this thread with these exact thoughts in mind.
I have yet to reach my twenties, yet I've felt this way for.. A long time. I've always felt as if I was an old soul, here for a reason and yet unsure as to what that reason is. Maybe I read too many fantasy novels as a child, maybe I spent way too much time in the company of adults as a child, but I can relate to what you are saying now.


Spend a lot of your time speculating about world issues and how you’d like to solve them? Yes.
Want more out of your life? Yes, don't we all?
People not understand you or simply ignore you? At times. I feel as if no one will really ever understand me, but I don't feel as if people 'ignore' me.
Have a lot of creative abilities (writing, drawing, dancing, music, etc) and interests, either untapped or tapped? I enjoy writing.
Thrive on new ideas that could change your life and others? Sure. =]
Have dreams, gut feelings, or other weird experiences that end up happening? Sometimes I have dreams where I end up seeing bits or aspects of it the following day. Some days my intuition is better than others.
Feel like we are in a very unique and perhaps even scary era right now in our world? Hmm.. I'll let you know. ;]
Know you have great talents but are underappreciated by your peers, family, or friends/acquaintances? Occasionally I think this. Then again, my family respects the fact that I'm smart and do well in school, and my friends are more.. Free-thinking than most?
Think your road of life has been extremely difficult in attempting to become successful? Si.
Have an undying urge to do something great? Always.
Always wonder why you are here? Always.
Sometimes wonder if you’re even human at all? It's interesting to think about.

I wouldn't say I stand out in a crowd, though. ;P

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Originally Posted by Elektra

Odd. I feel as if I could have written this myself. In fact, I stumbled upon this thread with these exact thoughts in mind.
I have yet to reach my twenties, yet I've felt this way for.. A long time. I've always felt as if I was an old soul, here for a reason and yet unsure as to what that reason is. Maybe I read too many fantasy novels as a child, maybe I spent way too much time in the company of adults as a child, but I can relate to what you are saying now.


Spend a lot of your time speculating about world issues and how you’d like to solve them? Yes.
Want more out of your life? Yes, don't we all?
People not understand you or simply ignore you? At times. I feel as if no one will really ever understand me, but I don't feel as if people 'ignore' me.
Have a lot of creative abilities (writing, drawing, dancing, music, etc) and interests, either untapped or tapped? I enjoy writing.
Thrive on new ideas that could change your life and others? Sure. =]
Have dreams, gut feelings, or other weird experiences that end up happening? Sometimes I have dreams where I end up seeing bits or aspects of it the following day. Some days my intuition is better than others.
Feel like we are in a very unique and perhaps even scary era right now in our world? Hmm.. I'll let you know. ;]
Know you have great talents but are underappreciated by your peers, family, or friends/acquaintances? Occasionally I think this. Then again, my family respects the fact that I'm smart and do well in school, and my friends are more.. Free-thinking than most?
Think your road of life has been extremely difficult in attempting to become successful? Si.
Have an undying urge to do something great? Always.
Always wonder why you are here? Always.
Sometimes wonder if you’re even human at all? It's interesting to think about.

I wouldn't say I stand out in a crowd, though. ;P

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Originally Posted by iDreambig

Everything you just said, just made me so happy. You must be my other half, because that's exactly where I am at in life right now. The sad part? I'm only 16.

Spend a lot of your time speculating about world issues and how you’d like to solve them? yes
Want more out of your life? yes
People not understand you or simply ignore you? yes
Have a lot of creative abilities (writing, drawing, dancing, music, etc) and interests, either untapped or tapped? yes
Thrive on new ideas that could change your life and others? yes
Have dreams, gut feelings, or other weird experiences that end up happening? yes
Feel like we are in a very unique and perhaps even scary era right now in our world? yes
Know you have great talents but are underappreciated by your peers, family, or friends/acquaintances? yes
Think your road of life has been extremely difficult in attempting to become successful? yes
Have an undying urge to do something great? yes
Always wonder why you are here? yes
Sometimes wonder if you’re even human at all? yes

I'm personally glad I stand out, but not for attention or anything silly like that. I don't have a lot of friends but more than I could ask for to say the least. Being apart of the world is one thing, but to feel like you don't belong in it, well that just makes us stronger than anything. To live a life separated from evil and ocean is a life worth living for. We can do great things, we just haven't figured out how yet. Cheers, I'm really glad you made this thread.

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This isn't that odd. It is pretty typical disillusionment. ESPECIALLY if you are around 16, iDreambig. None of you are alone in how you feel or even close to alone but if you want to use this feeling to stand out in a positive way go out and make the things that you want to happen happen. Just go for it.

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Originally Posted by juroara

pssst....I'm trying not to stand out :paranoid:

has anyone else noticed our mr.white has only made one post?

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Considering the one post he made...that may not be a bad thing.

I'd vouch that the desire to be special arises out of insecurity or dissatisfaction with oneself.

The small dogs bark the loudest.

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Originally Posted by Invader

I'd vouch that the desire to be special arises out of insecurity or dissatisfaction with oneself.

The small dogs bark the loudest.

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I'd bet the big dogs are the most insecure. "Barking dogs don't bite"

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Originally Posted by Invader

I'd vouch that the desire to be special arises out of insecurity or dissatisfaction with oneself.

The small dogs bark the loudest.

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Dunning

No, I do not.

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Originally Posted by spockman

Dunning

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...about paradoxical defects in perception

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pfft

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Originally Posted by spockman

Dunning

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I haven't heard of this before, but that's essentially the idea: the incompetent make themselves out to be far more than what they are.

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Originally Posted by Awakening

"Barking dogs don't bite"

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While we're on the topic of size, and since our analogy is appropriate, you should consider familiarizing yourself with inferiority complexes. In this case, the Napoleon complex. Being smaller (and this does not apply strictly to physical size) in a heirarchical species means having more to prove, unless the individual in question is comfortable with who they are.

The small, shrill, barking dogs don't bite because they are afraid. They bark to make themselves sound big, and run when you approach them. Obviously there are small dogs that have been raised in a social environment to be easygoing and accepting of other people/animals they encounter. Those dogs seldom bark.

Meh...I'd just chalk it up to being young, not an inferiority complex. I just don't like the part where that mindset leads to the conclusion that you're somehow better than the rest of "society" (ZOMG THE SHEEP JUST FOLLOWING THE MASSES PREPACKAGED MUSIC BIEBER AND NEVER THINK FOR DEMSELVES!!!). Little kids need that kind of "you are a special snowflake" encouragement, but at some point you have to realize there have been billions of people before you and there will be billions after you, and no, you are not special. :panic:

That said, we can all just stop taking ourselves so seriously and have a good time with each other while we're still lucky enough to be drawing breath.

I've met God across his long walnut desk with his diplomas hanging on the wall behind him, and God asks me, "Why?" Why did I cause so much pain? Didn't I realize that each of us is a sacred, unique snowflake of special unique specialness? Can't I see how we're all manifestations of love? I look at God behind his desk, taking notes on a pad, but God's got this all wrong. We are not special. We are not crap or trash, either. We just are. We just are, and what happens just happens. And God says, "No, that's not right." Yeah. Well. Whatever. You can't teach God anything.~ Chuck Palahniuk

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Originally Posted by Invader

While we're on the topic of size, and since our analogy is appropriate, you should consider familiarizing yourself with inferiority complexes. In this case, the Napoleon complex. Being smaller (and this does not apply strictly to physical size) in a heirarchical species means having more to prove, unless the individual in question is comfortable with who they are.

The small, shrill, barking dogs don't bite because they are afraid. They bark to make themselves sound big, and run when you approach them. Obviously there are small dogs that have been raised in a social environment to be easygoing and accepting of other people/animals they encounter. Those dogs seldom bark.

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Sorry I misunderstood you. I thought that you was talking that those apparently insecure (the shy, etc people) are the most barking ones. But this subject is a little more complex, I know a very high-in-stature teacher (for my country standards) that needed "pressure" self-stem of some of his students a little, to say in that way...

...and we even share a name. I do hope you come back, mrwhite. A gathering of dreamers like this is as good a place as any to find more like us.

There are a few differences for me though; I've come to not worry so much about being unappreciated, and one of the consequences has been that my path to success has become much easier.

Yes, but only by night. By day, I am a mild-mannered reporter for a major metropolitan newspaper.

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Originally Posted by Scatterbrain

Yes, but only by night. By day, I am a mild-mannered reporter for a major metropolitan newspaper.

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Shame on you for half-assing your ideals, then.