Go ahead, be unreasonable!
Sean Patton, MBA, ACC
Keynote Speaker ?? Executive Coach ?? Host of No Limits Leadership podcast???US Army Special Forces Veteran & BJJ Black Belt ???? I help growth-minded companies retain top talent
The world often celebrates fitting in. It's rare to hear a quote that challenges us to embrace the opposite. My favorite guiding quote for life is by George Bernard Shaw. He said, “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world. The unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself." Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”
To me, this quote is a guidepost that highlights a key truth about human progress. It suggests that innovation and growth lie in questioning and reshaping norms, not in our capacity to adjust to them.
At its core, Shaw’s perspective champions an idea. To foster change, one must stand against conventional wisdom. The "unreasonable man" is not an outcast. He is a visionary. He sees beyond accepted reality and pushes towards a new one. This figure is a reminder. The biggest advances in science, tech, art, and society were led by people who refused to accept the status quo as the ultimate truth.
领英推荐
To live by Shaw’s quote is to accept a life of constant questioning and courage. It means to keep challenging the "why" behind every "that's just the way things are." And to create solutions that reflect our vision for the world. It is about being a catalyst for change rather than a mere participant in the legacy of others.
However, embracing this unreasonableness comes with its set of challenges. It needs resilience in the face of doubt. It also needs the strength to persevere when others doubt your vision. But, the reward for this tenacity is the potential to contribute to progress. It paves the way for future generations to live in a world once deemed impossible.
To me, Shaw’s quote is a timeless reminder. Progress doesn’t come from compliance but from the conviction of what is possible. It invites us to reflect on our power to effect change. It urges us to be the force that dares to imagine and create a better future. So, let us embrace our unreasonableness and strive to create the world we all deserve to live in.
Branding Consultant & Bestselling Author | Momentum Maker For Entrepreneurs & Brands
1 年One of the best pieces of advice I received when I was early in my career was "Stop trying to be ordinary". Your post reminded me of that. Most people are drifting through the day doing the same thing as everyone else.
Purple Bean Media: "Done For You" Digital Marketing Agency, specializing in website development, social media marketing & SEO, tailored for small to medium-sized businesses.
1 年“Progress doesn’t come from compliance but from the conviction of what is possible.” YES!! Now I’m asking myself what am I missing out on because I’m staying in my lane … great food for thought Sean!
Coaching CEOs & Teams to reclaim time | Shift priorities & results | Well-being & purpose Power of Decisions Keynote Speaker | Exec Retreats/ Workshops | Enneagram| Conflict Communication | Author | NYU inner MBA
1 年Compliance versus curiosity, coupled with authenticity and wonder- ??
Time Freedom Community
1 年Sean, great article bud! I'm very guilty of being compliant and working within the box. Good lesson for parents to raise "non-compliant" kiddos too.
Marketing, Sales, Web, SEO, Trainer
1 年I love the Shaw quote you shared, Sean. Growing up, I tried so hard to blend in, only to realize that embracing my uniqueness was the key to my personal growth. It was a tough shift, moving away from pleasing everyone—a challenge in itself—but it was a transformative journey for me. Really appreciate you bringing this to light. It's a great reminder that the paths less travelled often lead to the most rewarding destinations. Cheers.