The Non-Conformist: Having the Balls to Defy the Hive-Mind

“Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.” ―?John F. Kennedy

INTRODUCTION

I remember a time when individuality and diversity of thought were concepts to be praised. Trailblazers who marched to the beat of a different drum were looked upon with respect and admiration. James Dean’s rebel archetype, although fraught with unresolved angst, was once considered the cool man’s approach to boldness, freedom, and individuality. But within the last few years, I’ve noticed a significant cultural shift in the opposite direction.

Now, conformity is what has become cool. Consequently, the non-conformist is no longer the sexy outsider; he is a social pariah—an outcast.

Sure, conformity has always existed. However, it seems as if collectivism has reached unprecedented levels of undeserved popularity. I’ve written this article to address this growing movement.

My goal is to show you how conformity destroys us from within. I want to explain why the masses crave subjugation, as well as how their unflinching obedience enables tyranny.

I also want to enumerate the many advantages—and a few of the disadvantages—of being a non-conformist, as well as how to walk your path and survive in a world that wants to control you. And for the few conformists willing to read this, I want to show you what you can do to escape this trap. ??

Part of this discussion is based on scientifically verified data with sources to back my claims. Other portions are based on my observations and conclusions.

If you’re a non-conformist, you will probably identify strongly with this discussion. If you’re a conformist, you will probably get offended and have a hissy fit. Suffice it to say, this article will undoubtedly have a more polarizing impact than any I have written thus far. But sometimes, that’s what it takes to move the dialog in the right direction. ??

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PART I: FIVE REASONS WHY MOST SHEEPLE WANT TO CONFORM

Human beings are wired for conformity (Asch, 1956). That is an undisputed fact of life. It’s our default state of mind. Most people just want to go along to get along. It’s the reason many of us have earned the nickname “sheeple.”

There are many studies that have proven the need that most of us have to be the same. One series of trials that confirmed this was the Asch conformity experiments.

Back in the 1950s, Solomon Asch set out to determine the potency of conformity within group dynamics. His experimental design involved the inclusion of confederates—in other words, actors—who were aware of the experiment's objectives. These individuals were strategically positioned alongside unaware participants with the goal of influencing the volunteers to reach a consensus that defied logical conclusions.

Each trial had a participant situated in a room with several confederates. As far as the volunteers were concerned, everyone was believed to be unaware participants. All volunteers were informed that they were partaking in a “vision test.” In total, 50 non-confederate participants volunteered for Asch's experiments.

Everyone was presented with a line-matching task. Subjects were instructed to verbally indicate which line (1, 2, or 3) corresponded to the target line. While volunteers were free to provide the answers they believed were correct, the actors were instructed to verbalize answers that made little sense.

Here is when things got interesting. Initially, the confederates answered correctly. But when they later started verbalizing incorrect responses (as instructed by the experimenters), most of the volunteers agreed with their answers. ?

Among the 18 trials that were performed, confederates provided incorrect responses in 12 of them, known as the “critical trials.” These critical trials were designed to assess whether participants would adjust their answers to conform with the group's responses. It was shown that in approximately 75% of the time, volunteers conformed to the group's consensus at least once (Asch, 1956).

Some readers might reasonably wonder if there could possibly have been any design flaws in the study. To eliminate any doubt, the experiments also included 37 control participants to ensure that ordinary individuals could independently judge the line lengths with accuracy. The results did indeed indicate a high level of accuracy, with participants choosing the correct answer 99% of the time (Asch, 1956).

Following the Asch experiments, the volunteers were asked why they had conformed to the group's consensus. Most respondents cited a reluctance to risk ridicule, even though they claimed that they knew the group was wrong. A few participants conveyed that they genuinely believed that they were correct in their answers (Asch, 1956).

These findings indicate that conformity can be influenced by either the desire to fit in or the perception that the majority is correct and the individual is not. To reiterate, it was 75% of the participants who indulged in groupthink.

The Asch conformity experiments are not alone. There have been many more studies since that time that have repeatedly demonstrated our conformist natures.

It takes enormous effort to resist conformity. Non-conformity—even when implemented peacefully—attracts unwanted attention, disagreements, rejection, lost opportunities, and even attacks.

Yet, I’m willing to bet that most people believe that they are not conformists and that they see life differently than most people. Unfortunately, their actions say otherwise.

The reality is that the vast majority of us desperately want to be a part of the tribe. That is where safety, validation, and acceptance can be found. Unfortunately, this is also where you find groupthink en masse. It’s where individuality, boldness, critical thinking, creativity, freedom, authenticity, and leadership are all discouraged. It is also where you find sheeple who willingly subjugate themselves to the collective.

Based on Asch’s series of experiments, it’s evident that most of us are driven by consensus. But let’s take a deeper dive into the various reasons why most people want to conform. I have observed that there are at least five major influencing factors behind conformity. Let’s review them.

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Reason #1: Fear and Survival

The first and perhaps most primal reason people conform to collectivism and groupthink is their innate fear of consequences. These individuals—or, rather, non-individuals—are afraid that should they dare to stray from the herd, they'll be judged, ostracized, or punished. ?

Conformists are adept at conjuring imaginary threats that await them if they dare to dissent. Better to huddle together with the crowd, they reason and share in the collective security than to face the wilderness of independent thought.

I could elaborate on this topic and delve into cultural-evolutionary theories about survival and social hierarchies, but why bother? Let’s get to the point and call it what it is: Conformity is cowardice.

Of course, there are understandable reasons why some people value survival over courage. They may have a lot to lose such as loved ones, their reputation, or a promising career. Even their lives.

Moreover, not everyone in the group lacks knowledge of the truth. Some of the more insightful members of the tribe hold the position that as long as they know better, their actions do not truly reflect who they really are. They reason that they can live among the sheep incognito.

There is something to be said of being “wise as serpents.” Those who’ve read Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince, or Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power know exactly what I’m talking about.

Being courageous does not necessitate recklessness. We can successfully employ a number of strategies to avoid shooting ourselves in the foot. These are methods I discuss later in this article.

Nevertheless, we should never confuse cowardice for wisdom. They are not the same thing. One is based on experience, objectivity, and critical thinking that calculates multiple possibilities with decisions that serve the best possible outcome. The other is based simply on the fear of loss, a pessimistic outlook that guides an entire lifestyle away from confrontation at ANY cost.

It's not who you are underneath that matters most. It's the actions you take that define you. If you decide to consistently comply with an existence that is contrary to your convictions, this is not wisdom. It is cowardice, the behavior of the sheep.

Sadly, a lot of people simply can’t get past their fears. So, they live their entire lives on their knees, doing whatever they can to conform, fit in, and not rock the boat. Anything to stay safe. And they will willingly give up their freedom, health, and even their self-sovereignty to maintain the status quo, please the herd, and abide by the dictates of the powers that be.?

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Reason #2: Non-Critical Thinking

It's no secret that sheeple excel at non-critical thinking. In their world, evidence and logic are irrelevant when the answers have already been determined by trusted authority figures. Why bother assessing the facts if consensus has already been established?

These sheeple blindly accept whatever narrative their chosen herd has latched onto no matter how absurd or baseless it may be. They deem analysis and reasoning to be unnecessary burdens when faced with what they regard as obvious truths.

For all intents and purposes, conformists are fanboys and fangirls. Just like in the world of sports where opposing sides proudly proclaim their allegiance, fans identify so strongly with their team that anyone who dares to think differently is looked upon with disdain. In the land of groupthink, unflinching loyalty to the tribe is a badge of honor.

Such collectivistic low-IQ behavior often gets non-critical thinkers justifiably labeled as “NPCs” by those who are not so inclined. If you’re unfamiliar with this politically incorrect term, NPC is short for non-playable character (Krikey.ai). It originates from video games.

More specifically, NPCs are the fictional characters that human players see or interact with while gaming. NPCs act like sentient beings despite having no real identity or individual thoughts of their own. Some believe NPCs are genuinely non-sentient, while others use the term to jokingly describe people who act like they have no sentience.

While it’s tempting to view all non-critical thinkers as brainwashed idiot drones, I’ve discovered that there are actually quite a number of them who have a high IQ. In other words, not every smart person is a critical thinker, at least not in every area of life.

Critical thinking tends to be compartmentalized. Meaning, someone can demonstrate enormous critical thinking in one area and simultaneously lack any critical thinking in another. I know several people like that. How about you?

As an example, there are highly intelligent medical doctors who refuse to critically appraise any treatments—no matter how effective they have been demonstrated to be—if they are not aligned with the pharmaceutical consensus. Likewise, many of these same physicians have no interest in reassessing the safety of harmful treatments they have been indoctrinated to provide (until, perhaps, they have been sued).

There are religious adherents who refuse to question the most implausible assertions they hold dear. Even when faced with undeniable truths, some of the most intelligent people you could meet will never question cherished paradigms that have been spoon-fed to them since childhood (keep in mind, I am not bashing every religion, as I am an ardent believer in God myself).

And let’s not forget my all-time favorite: those who believe fake news. If that statement triggered you, you should ask yourself why.

At least 90% of today’s popular media is owned by six corporations (Lutz, 2012). The billionaires who run them decide what narrative they want to spin.

Likewise, media corporations have been known to collaborate with government liaisons to ensure that what is reported is carefully filtered and meets the consensus deemed appropriate for public consumption (Houghton, 1997; Senate Select Committee on Intelligence [SSCI], 1996; The New York Times, 1977; Vanderwicken, 1995). Look into the published data if you have your doubts.

The same could be said of social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook which have their own methods to censor and control the flow of information. These include the use of censorship circumvention technologies, otherwise known as CCTs (Dal & Nisbet, 2022).

By the way, if you are convinced that social media censorship is a conspiracy theory, you are definitely a victim of groupthink. Even the platform CEOs themselves have made it public knowledge that they suppress what they regard as hate speech and misinformation (subject to their interpretation).

It doesn’t matter whether the reporting caters to Democrats or Republicans. At any point in time, I can easily find a typical news claim and look up the actual truth that completely contradicts what we are being told. I would wager that some of the facts I have found would hold up in court. In a few instances, they would even be considered consistent with the laws of gravity. Yet, the lies usually win over the masses.

I’ve met some of the smartest people who believe whatever they hear on the news (or at least their favorite partisan “news”), and they make NO effort whatsoever—NONE—to conduct their own independent research to determine the legitimacy of what they’re told. And if they ever do conduct any additional research, they would undoubtedly look into the very same echo chambers the information originated from, with numerous “fact-checkers” eager to help them confirm their bias.

Sometimes you’ve got to leave the mainstream online search engines and popular social media platforms to find what the censorship overlords don’t want you to know. You’ll certainly be hard-pressed to find the truth from the corporatized television news.

My point is that critical thinking is not necessarily a reflection of high intelligence. It’s like chess. Every one of the world’s best chess players has a high IQ, but not every high-IQ person plays chess.

So, where’s the disconnect? How can bright men and women be such low-information followers? Why do smart people believe in dumb things?

I’ve come to the conclusion that it has to do with several factors that undermine critical thinking. One reason is that people make erroneous assumptions that are based on their narrow worldviews. And everyone is convinced that their worldview is the right one.

A second reason for a lack of critical thinking is that people lead busy lives and don’t want to put in the time and effort to conduct additional research when they would rather just chill out after a long day at work. “Why go through the hassle of investigating the facts when the experts I trust have already done all the work for me?” It’s pure laziness.

Another reason has to do with blind trust in authority. I explain this in the following section.

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“Most people believe most of the things they believe only because they believe that most people believe them.” ―?Mokokoma Mokhonoana

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Reason #3: Blind Trust and Unflinching Obedience to Authority

The vast majority of people have a deep-seated trust in authority. You see this all the time. It could be a corporate newscaster in a suit and tie or a medical doctor in a white lab coat (don’t forget the stethoscope). It could also be an institution. Even innocuous titles such as “trainer” or “officer” are often presumed to indicate legitimacy and trustworthiness.

Conformists have trained themselves to place these professionals and institutions on a golden pedestal. In their minds, these authorities are the arbiters of expertise, facts, and truth.?

History has shown that we humans can be so dedicated to obedience that many of us would be willing to cast our values aside and inflict pain upon another person simply because we were told to do so. Let’s review a study you may have heard of that does an excellent job of illustrating my point. ?

Back in the 1960s, psychologist Stanley Milgram demonstrated people’s willingness to obey unethical commands through a highly controversial experiment that had 40 participants deliver what they thought were shock treatments against other participants.

Milgram devised an intimidating shock generator that was understood to produce voltage levels starting at 15 volts that progressively increased in 15-volt increments until it could max out at 450 volts. The array of switches was labeled with descriptors such as “slight shock,” “moderate shock,” and “danger: severe shock,” with the last three switches ominously marked as “XXX” (nice touch I must say).

Each participant was assigned the unassuming role of a “teacher” who had the joyful responsibility of administering electric shocks to his “student” for every incorrect response the volunteer would give. I wonder how many disgruntled teachers would fantasize about this.

Notably, the “student” was actually an actor who was instructed to feign the experience of being shocked. How these actors pretended to get shocked without breaking character and bursting out laughing—or causing the researchers who were in on it to laugh—is beyond me.

As the experiment unfolded, “students” would plead for release. Once 300 volts were deployed, a few confederates would even mention that they had a heart condition.

Beyond this point, “students” would fall into complete silence, refusing to answer further questions. Participants were then instructed by the experimenter to treat this silence as an incorrect response that warranted additional shocks.

To their credit, most participants were concerned by their apparently harmful actions and sought guidance from the experimenter. Of course, the experimenter urged them to continue with the following four directives: “Please continue,” “The experiment requires that you continue,” “It is absolutely essential that you continue,” and “You have no other choice; you must go on.” And yes, most of the volunteers complied (Milgram, 1965).

Of the 40 volunteers of this study, 26 obediently delivered the highest shocks (Milgram, 1965). That is a whopping 65% of the participants. Only 14 ceased before reaching those extreme levels. Despite the visible agitation and distress of the participants who administered the shocks, most continued to follow orders to the end.

Several factors were observed to have made the greatest impact on the participants who carried out their orders. It was found that the physical presence of an authority figure significantly heightened compliance. The sponsorship of the study by Yale, a respected academic institution, convinced many participants of the experiment’s safety. Moreover, the participants assumed that the experimenter was a competent expert (Milgram, 1965).

Studies like these demonstrate just how obedient and trusting most people choose to be with established authority figures. Again, that is why a significant percentage of people have earned the well-deserved nickname, “sheeple.”

Authority figures have been shown to be wrong with considerable frequency. They are human beings after all. And like the rest of humanity, they all have egos, are imperfect, and are susceptible to mistakes, greed, and corruption.

How many times have politicians been caught peddling partisan-motivated lies? How many occasions have we heard of out-of-shape personal trainers who dispensed horrible coaching advice? How often have the claims of so-called fact-checkers been proven false by actual fact-checkers? How many instances have we discovered evangelists or priests involved in illicit activities? How many times have we learned of police officers who have abused their power? How frequently have major pharmaceutical companies provided drugs that led to litigations? How often have we discovered incompetence and corruption within the deepest levels of highly esteemed bureaucratic institutions?

Whenever one is in a position of authority, he or she has more power to bend circumstances toward self-interest. Whether for profit, power, or status, these pursuits become more easily attainable. Given the choice between serving others or serving self, history has consistently shown that most powerful individuals and institutions overwhelmingly select the latter, often to the detriment of those they are intended to serve.

We can never take what authorities—or anyone—says at face value, and that includes me. We must make it a practice to follow up with additional research and a lot of critical thinking.

Unfortunately, there are countless numbers of people who will never conduct any research of their own. They’re either too gullible or lazy. Or both. They have chosen to allow others to do the thinking for them.

The sad reality is that most people have a weak self-convincing strategy when it comes to popular lies. But when it comes to unpopular truths, many have a highly resistant self-convincing approach. And once someone believes a lie, it can be next to impossible to convince them otherwise.

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“It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.” ― Unknown source (frequently misattributed to Mark Twain)

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Reason #4: Approval / Acceptance

Sheeple thrive on the validation they receive from their fellow flock members. The applause, likes, and shares on social media are their lifeblood. They are willing to sacrifice their authenticity on the altar of groupthink to revel in the hollow satisfaction of social acceptance.

They shape their sense of self on the opinions, approval, and validation of their social circle. Nearly their entire identity is interwoven into their tribe. And their contemptuous view of outsiders only further solidifies their collectivistic consciousness.

What is the price of requiring others' approval and acceptance? It is the loss of authenticity, the compromise of personal values, and the forfeiture of one’s true self. It is the sacrifice of self-respect. But more than that, the need for social consent to express who we are is among the greatest impediments to one’s highest potential and the quest for self-actualization.

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“The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you but yourself.” ― Rita Mae Brown

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Reason #5: Assumed Moral High Ground

One of the reasons conformists enjoy being part of the collective is because a certain percentage of them experience an undeserved sense of moral satisfaction from taking the side of the majority. You will often find these sheeple following whatever is the next big thing that everyone seems to be talking about (whatever that is).

A great percentage of the masses assume—often wrongly—that whatever trend or social movement most people follow must be the right one, because, after all, why else would so many people believe in it? They reason that the odds of correctness and rightness must favor the majority, while those who speak against the narrative must be wrong.

The reason most folks make the connection between majority and correctness is because this principle is often true in everyday practical matters of common sense. Think about this for a moment. Most of us have had similar experiences of cause and effect, and based on these experiences, we have made similar conclusions about what is correct or true versus what is incorrect or false.

For example, most adults can agree that it isn’t a smart idea to stick a fork into a power outlet. The minority who ignores this consensus clearly demonstrate that they are wrong. Likewise, most guys know that it is not wise to ask a lady for her age on the first date. Those few who are foolish enough to ask this question end up being great examples of what not to do for the majority of men who know better.

The same principle applies to mathematics, physics, and biology, but even more so. Everyone knows that 2 + 2 = 4. And everyone can agree that humans can’t fly without some means of technology. The minority who refuse to acknowledge these facts condemn themselves to less-than-desirable outcomes.

I could give many other examples, but I know you get where I’m going with this. Based on these everyday circumstances, it can be easy to assume that the majority is nearly always right.

However, when it comes to certain subjects such as diet, news, politics, human potential, relationships, spirituality, and ethics, the facts become less clear. The waters become even murkier with biases and agendas that distort the truth. When misinformation and disinformation enter the public domain, groupthink can become a problem. ?

I do stand by the position that truth is objective, but our experience of it is subjective, and people tend to disagree on what that truth is. My point is that we cannot assume that the majority is usually right, because very often, they are actually quite misinformed.

There was once a time when smoking was not only considered safe but was also widely believed to cure certain physical ailments (Gardner & Brandt, 2006). Can you believe most people actually bought into that nonsense? The fact that medical physicians were hired to endorse these death sticks certainly did not help matters.

As we all know, thousands of years ago, nearly everyone used to believe that illness was God’s way of punishing us for sin. So, if you came down with the flu, you were obviously naughty, while those who weren’t sick were sinless angels.

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that most people miss. Grammar is easily one of the most butchered concepts by the majority.

Let’s take the phrase “close proximity” as an example. Nearly everyone assumes that’s the correct usage of the statement. But how many people actually know what proximity means?

The actual meaning of proximity is closeness or nearness. Thus, saying “close proximity” is no different than saying “close closeness.” Although the more commonly used phrase has become accepted by mainstream sources, a more proper way to say it is simply within “proximity” (Osmond, 2023). Yet another instance where the majority is wrong.

History proves that the majority holds a lot of incorrect beliefs about what is true or possible. That’s why innovators stand out. Their unconventional ideas go against mainstream beliefs and jolt the masses out of their faulty assumptions.

Nevertheless, a lot of tribal-minded folks take great pride in supporting whatever the rest of the herd is doing because they assume it’s the right thing to do. If all their family, friends, and favorite influencers agree that it’s for a higher cause, they are happy to hop on the trendy bandwagon, make whatever sacrifices are called for, and “stand united.”

Another reason a lot of followers believe they have the moral high ground is because they place incredible faith in the ethical judgment of authority figures (explained earlier). In other words, many conformists equate rules with morality.

These conformists are often the most conscientious with following rules and regulations wherever they find them. I’ve noticed that whenever they proclaim their obedience to these mandates, some seem to convey a sense of pride and satisfaction—even a glint of joy in their eyes—like they just earned a reward for good behavior.

For some extremely compliant folks, the logic behind the rule means absolutely nothing. Hypothetically speaking, the mandate could be as dumb as your imagination can muster, and some sheeple would still support it with glee. At least, that’s been my observation.

Because of their lack of critical thinking skills, it never seems to occur to these compliant followers that some rules either make no sense or are even harmful. Nor have they reasoned that many of the world’s most tyrannical dictators have enforced rules that are anything but moral.

I’m not suggesting that we should all be anarchists and abandon all of society’s laws. As long as we all live on the same planet, we need to abide by a shared standard of reasonable behavior. But we should always examine the intentions of those who impose restrictions on freedom and the potential consequences of obeying decrees that are not in the best interest of logic, survival, or our values.

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PART II: BLIND OBEDIENCE SUPPORTS AUTHORITARIANISM

Have you noticed that many of the most obedient citizens also have some of the most authoritarian views? There seems to be a correlation between those who rigidly follow whatever they are told by their trusted authorities and a desire to impose their values on others—even if through force.

They conflate the enforcement of mandates—no matter how unreasonable—with lawful protections against more serious ethical offenses such as theft, assault, or murder. There seems to be little distinction between them. And if they catch you not obeying the rules, a few of them will be happy to give you the stink eye.

Conformists perceive the world through a flawed utopian lens where the masses can live safely and harmoniously provided that everyone obeys the tightly controlled dictates of those who know best. These people do not have a live-and-let-live attitude. They want everyone to toe the line for the good of the collective.

Authoritarian wannabes see nothing wrong with forcing mass compliance since they are more than willing to obey their masters. In their minds, if they have to do their part for the good of everyone else, why should any selfish individuals have the choice to do otherwise?

Since they are convinced that they hold the moral high ground, a disturbing number of conformists view non-conformists as a threat to the system and have no issues with authorities forcing them to abide by their allegedly superior ethical standards. This means that some sheep could also be considered “wolves in sheep’s clothing.”

The Nazis and their supporters are perfect examples. Hitler was NOT able to make the history books because he was so different from everyone else. Rather, his infamy was only possible because the vast majority of an entire nation either agreed with him or were simply compliant with his objectives (Goldhagen, 1996).

Although a portion of Germans spoke in favor of peace, the propagandized masses convinced themselves of the justness of Hitler’s cause—what ultimately became their cause. And we all know where that line of reasoning went.

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“You have to understand, most of these people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inured, so hopelessly dependent on the system that they will fight to protect it.” ― Morpheus (The Matrix)

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PART III: SIX POWERFUL ADVANTAGES OF BEING A NON-CONFORMIST

I try not to make it a habit to bitch, moan, and complain about people. I’ve found that as easy and enjoyable as it can be, doing so too often is a waste of time and energy. I would rather just focus on research, opportunities, and my projects, or simply devote my time to enjoying life to the fullest.

But I acknowledge that this article has been somewhat more negative and preachy than most of my content. Nevertheless, I just don’t know how to describe conformity in a positive light. It’s like trying to explain the aesthetic contours and lovely aromas of dog shit. I just can’t do it.

But now I would like to talk about non-conformity. So, let’s pivot to a more positive conversation, shall we? I’ve identified six powerful advantages to being a non-conformist. Let’s get into them.

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Advantage #1: Courage

It takes guts to be a non-conformist. It’s not natural to stand in opposition to the group. And it’s definitely not natural to be okay with being criticized or judged by them either. Yet, the non-conformist is right at home with not giving a damn what others think or say about him (or her). That’s because these true individuals have a rare trait many lack: courage.

Non-conformists don’t care about approval, popularity, or validation. They stare convention in the face and say, “Not interested.” They have no problem challenging the status quo and are willing to stand up for what they believe in.

The kind of courage that non-conformists have is not necessarily the same bravery found in the warrior who risks his life in battle or the firefighter who rushes into a burning building. Certainly, many non-conformists have it within them to put their lives on the line. But the type of courage I’m talking about is the kind that’s driven by conviction and the unwavering refusal to compromise one’s values.

Having served in the military on and off since the end of the last century, I have had the honor to meet, train with, train under, and operate with some of the most courageous warriors of our day. My time in the Navy and Army, as well as the years I was attached to the Marines as a Corpsman (infantry medic), have given me many opportunities to witness courage on numerous occasions.

Marine Infantrymen. Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Corpsmen. Navy SEALs. Army Delta operators. Army Green Berets. Army Infantrymen. A few of these patriots I’ve met or known have paid the ultimate price.

Like me, many of my veteran brothers consider it an honor to fight for their convictions. It is why I still serve to this day as a reservist (as of 2023). I haven’t been too thrilled with how the military has been changing over the years and some of the conflicts we have become involved with, but those are discussions for another day.

Although I consider it an honor to have rubbed shoulders with some of the most badass Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers in the US military, I’ve unfortunately had the displeasure of working with far too many compliant service members who would never hesitate to carry out their orders no matter how idiotic, unjustified, or unlawful that command could be. I’ve seen it firsthand.

Many might have the courage to fight, but few have the balls to question authority and stand their ground when the situation calls for it. That kind of courage exists only for the non-conformist who would never give the lame excuse that he (or she) was “just following orders.”

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“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” — Ana?s Nin

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Advantage #2 :Critical Thinking

While there is undoubtedly a certain percentage of non-conformists who are simply “rebels without a cause,” a significant number of them defy social norms because they actually have intelligent reasons for doing so. The characteristic of non-conformity is often driven by critical thinking.

Non-conformists don’t just take whatever they’re told at face value. They dissect it with a mental scalpel and dig deep beneath the layers to get at the hidden truth. There is no doubt that the best detectives and investigators have a penchant for non-conformity.

Think of your favorite action flicks. Who made the finest detectives and private eyes? Were they conventional, by-the-book sheeple? No. They were unconventional. They thought outside the box. They asked the tough questions. Sherlock Holmes, Columbo, and Batman come to mind.

Of course, those examples were fictional characters. Some might wonder if there is any evidence that non-conformity has anything to do with critical thinking in the real world.

There are indeed plenty of real-world examples of unconventional critical thinkers I could mention. But instead, ask yourself, who have you personally known (besides yourself) who has exceptional critical thinking abilities?

Are most of them conformists who go along with the herd, or do they tend to speak against groupthink? Do they tend to follow popular trends and widely accepted narratives, or do they usually do their own thing and question consensus?

The answer is obvious. The most critical-thinking individuals are exactly that: individuals. They may appear normal. They may have a job or run a business. They may go to church. They may even wear a suit and tie. But the unconventional way in which they scrutinize, analyze, and process information is very different than the masses.

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Advantage #3: Innovation

Some people confuse non-conformity with eccentricity. Although there are plenty of men and women who are both, they are not the same thing. Non-conformity isn’t simply about wearing unconventional attire or exerting odd behaviors. It’s about being a true individualist. You can be in a suit and tie and still be a non-conformist.

Non-conformity is more of a mindset and a way of life that stands in opposition to the herd. To be a non-conformist, one must see life in a very different way. This uninhibited perspective can often lead to creative genius, which can manifest as innovation.????

It could be reasonably argued that being a non-conformist does not necessarily guarantee innovative talent. After all, there are plenty of rebels who have the courage to defy groupthink but who are not creative geniuses.

Nevertheless, there is a much stronger likelihood that a free-thinking non-conformist would possess innovative ideas than there would be for sheeple who lack critical thinking. This is because their minds are unfettered by the conventional expectations and demands of the unimaginative collective. Their refusal to follow the crowd is fueled by an independent mind that sees the world through contrarian eyes, a perspective that can germinate the seed of creativity.

Innovation is fueled by non-conformity. Think about it. How many creative innovators have you heard of who make it a practice to follow the herd?

The very nature of innovation necessitates reaching outside the status quo. Non-conformists are the creative geniuses who come up with the most groundbreaking ideas.

They aren't satisfied with doing things the way they've always been done. They are the pioneers who forge new solutions and inspire others to think outside the paradigm. So, while it’s true that not every non-conformist is innovative, it could be argued that nearly all innovators are non-conformists.

“Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is why so few engage in it.” — Henry Ford

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Advantage #4: Leadership

In the face of mass conformity, non-conformists must often stand alone. Having the willingness to take the unpopular position very often leads to a solitary path, that of the lone wolf.

Those who boldly choose to remain outside of the social hierarchy are commonly referred to as “Sigmas.” Although not scientifically accepted in the academic lexicon, I’ve come to recognize that the so-called Sigma personality type does indeed possess the traits of the non-conformist.

However, non-conformity does not always lead to banishment from the group. Sometimes, certain ideas can act as catalysts that can influence the masses to recognize the truth, whatever that may be. In such instances, the impactful non-conformist can become a powerful leader, a force to be reckoned with.

True leaders are those who are not afraid to break the mold and set a new standard. They can be lightning rods of inspiration and transformation. They lead by example, proving that it's not about fitting in; it's about standing out and leaving a legacy.

Notice that I said “True leaders.” As we all know, there are plenty of guys and gals in leadership positions who couldn’t lead anyone out of a wet paper bag. Likewise, there are also a whole lot of corrupt leaders in esteemed positions who have leveraged their clout to elevate themselves above the people they were hired to serve.

The aforementioned examples of leadership have nothing to do with non-conformity. In fact, these types of pseudo-leaders want nothing but conformity, as they themselves are often found to be the worst offenders of freedom, innovation, and critical thinking.

The type of leadership I’m talking about is the kind that inspires, not threatens. It’s the type of leadership that jolts people out of their complacency and compels them into life-changing action.

This brand of leadership is neither common nor insipid. Instead, it shows us that we can rise above perceived limitations and societal expectations to reinvent ourselves beyond what most believe is possible.

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Advantage #5: Self-Authenticity

One of the greatest advantages of non-conformity is the experience of self-authenticity. Non-conformists don’t require acceptance, approval, or validation like most people do. If they did, they wouldn’t be non-conformists.

This mindset allows non-conformists to be true to themselves and the values they hold dear. Sure, to some degree, everyone prefers to be respected, admired, and liked, even non-conformists. But the free-thinking individualist does not require such accolades or praise to protect his psyche.

Unlike the majority of people whose fragile egos are dependent on what others think of them, the non-conformist could care less. They’re too busy pursuing their path.?? ???

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Advantage #6: Conviction

Non-conformists tend to be a stubborn lot. As a non-conformist myself, I can assure you that we don’t take kindly to others who attempt to control us. So, we make it a habit to resist anything that interferes with our freedom, creativity, autonomy, and values. The more people try to control us, the more we dig our heels and stand our ground.

We can be defiant to the end. This defiant mindset gives us an uncompromising no-quit approach to life, especially as it relates to our principles.

By contrast, how many sheeple are willing to bend the knee and go against their personal values? It takes backbone to stand up for what you believe in.

Defiance is not typically viewed in a positive light. After all, there are many criminals who could be considered defiant. And we all know of the spoiled and defiant brats who compel weak parents to give in to their demands.

However, defiance does not necessarily equate to confrontation, violence, or breaches of discipline or ethical norms. There are many pacifists who exerted their defiance peacefully. Jesus Christ and Mahatma Gandhi come to mind. Therefore, defiance in the context I am describing could be summed up as conviction.

Some might assume that what I’m talking about is courage. But it’s more than that.

Courage does not always translate to conviction. There are plenty of unprincipled pushovers who can muster the courage to ride a rollercoaster or jump out of a perfectly good airplane. But very few have the courage—and perseverance—to hold to their principles in the face of opposition, especially if doing so guarantees dire consequences.

Conviction is the mindset and attitude of never backing down from the belief or code one chooses to live by. It is the act of staying true blue no matter what. It is the essence of honor. ??

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PART IV: THE THREE MAJOR OBSTACLES OF NON-CONFORMITY

As every free-thinking non-conformist knows, there is a price that must be paid for walking this path. In exchange for living the authentic life, we must face a lot of heat. In many instances, obstacles are thrust upon us from the external world. In other cases, we are the catalysts who may at times bring it upon ourselves.

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Obstacle #1: Social Friction

Admittedly, non-conformity can lead to some unsavory interpersonal conflicts that can be generated by those who cannot accept things as they are. Of course, there are plenty of rebels who simply keep to themselves and go their own way. However, some non-conformists can be argumentative and, in some cases, even a bit confrontational.

Speaking from personal experience, I’m always fighting myself in an effort to avoid conflict. It’s not because I am afraid of it. It’s because I am far too eager and willing to engage in it. I want to point out “idiocracy” wherever I see it. I want to debate truth from lies, and I want to win. And yes, this has caused friction.???

I personally know someone who’s quite the non-conformist in his profession. He’s a security-minded guy like me, so I’ll refrain from using his real name. Interestingly, two of his many admirable skill sets are efficiency and work safety. He has repeatedly butted heads with supervisors and CEOs over some of their established policies that are lacking in the logic department.

Despite these conflicts, he has no intention of causing problems. On the contrary, he offers some of the most well-thought-out solutions—backed by decades of his proven experience—that can help operations run more efficiently and safely. Oftentimes he is hired because of his forward-thinking ideas.

But he gets a lot of push-back from narrow-minded sheeple with fragile egos and lazy work ethic. They either lack the intelligence or open-mindedness to understand the advantages of his proposals, are visibly threatened by his boldness, or are simply too complacent to make any effort to implement his ideas into policy.

Non-conformists like him will never fit in with a stagnant atmosphere that resists critical thinking. His mind is wired to question stupidity. Not surprisingly, this trait can lead to social friction. Maybe you relate. I know I do.

There’s a good reason non-conformists go against the grain. It’s because many of them are simply smarter than most others. That is why they are able to see things so differently in ways most cannot. So, naturally, a lot of lesser minds feel threatened by those whose intellect challenges or exceeds their own.

So, when someone accuses me or other non-conformists of “not being a team player,” they’ve got it all wrong. It’s not that we have anything against teams per se. We just prefer to be on Team Smart—not Team Stupid. And sometimes, as many non-conformists will attest, the only members who can handle the demands of the team are me, myself, and I.

There is something to be said about the communication delivery of many confident non-conformists. They tend to rub people the wrong way. Big surprise. Many have an attitude or way of speaking that is often perceived as arrogance, which can get them into a lot of trouble.

Stay with me, because later, I’ll explain a few strategies that can mitigate some of the interpersonal conflicts of non-conformity without having to compromise who you are. But before I do, let’s take a look at a few other obstacles that can get in the way.? ???????

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Obstacle #2: Missed Opportunities

One of the most obvious and understandable reasons most people are so compliant is because they don’t want to shoot themselves in the foot. Non-conformity is not typically known as the most favored way of achieving recognition or making friends. If you don’t play by the rules, you can easily find yourself alienated from the group, passed up for promotion, or even out of a job.

These are some of the costs associated with non-conformity. Yet, non-conformists are just as interested in success as anyone else. Some of the most ambitious men and women are non-conformists.

They are simply more willing to face the consequences of walking their path than to follow someone else’s. For the non-conformist, FOMO (fear of missing out) is not as painful as the act of caving into social pressure and losing self-respect.

Fortunately, there are many instances when non-conformists stand out in a good way that can accelerate their success beyond their peers. This is especially the case when lateral-thinking leaders are looking for special talent. So, while it may be true that non-conformists sometimes miss out on certain opportunities, whenever their gifts are recognized, they are frequently known to rapidly and unexpectedly leapfrog above the most well-behaved yes-men and brown-nosers.

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Obstacle #3: Ostracism and Attack

It’s no secret that non-conformists are usually the most vulnerable to ostracism and attack. Duh. Not surprisingly, if you step on enough toes, offend enough snowflakes, and repeatedly buck the system, you WILL get some unwanted attention.

But it isn’t always bad. Sometimes, being different attracts respect, admiration, and a strong following. Unfortunately, such a positive response is often preceded or accompanied by a lot of criticism and attacks from gatekeepers, naysayers, and NPCs.

If you want to see the ugliness of the masses, thrust a non-conformist leader with contrarian ideas into the limelight. Whether right or wrong, he or she will trigger hate and vitriol like nothing else. Some of the seemingly most tolerant and accepting people you know will reveal themselves as the most venomous and spiteful haters you will ever meet.

Fortunately, not everyone is afflicted with groupthink. If you are a non-conformist and your cause is just, you will find critical-thinking allies who appreciate your boldness, authenticity, and conviction.

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“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.” ― Winston Churchill

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PART V: SIX STRATEGIES NON-CONFORMISTS CAN USE TO MINIMIZE SELF-SABOTAGE

The quintessential non-conformist is often perceived as being a tactless, divisive, narcissistic dude who wouldn’t be able to have a civil conversation with a nun. Sure, there are plenty of non-conformists who fit this bill. But there are also a surprising number who are quite adept with interpersonal engagement.

Some non-conformists have had to become very good with people skills—along with an assortment of unconventional survival strategies—out of necessity. As any non-conformist well knows, it can be far too easy to dig yourself a hole you can’t climb out from.

If you are a non-conformist or are striving to become one, here are six powerful tips I suggest you use to gain the tactical edge when dealing with those who would seek to undermine your success. It’s time to channel your inner Sun Tzu.

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Strategy #1: Be Security-Minded

As we say in the military, “watch your six.” Six meaning 6 o’ clock, as in behind you.

Unlike the sheep, who exist in ignorant bliss of the wolves around them, as a non-conformist, you cannot afford to be so na?ve. You must cultivate an ever-vigilant awareness of the environment you’re in and know who you’re dealing with.

Always keep in mind that as a non-conformist, you're a rebel WITH a cause, not a reckless renegade. Being security-minded means being smart about your choices. Don't throw caution to the wind and go full James Dean without a legitimate reason to do so. Calculate risks, weigh the consequences, and always have a contingency plan in place.

This is especially true if you decide to show your cards and commit to your stance, whatever that may be. If or when that time comes, the more you understand the culture, intentions, and receptivity of the people around you, the better prepared you will be for any backlash you may encounter.

The more intel you can acquire on those around you, the better. Learn their strengths, their weaknesses. Understand their motivations. Uncover who they are loyal to and who their enemies are. Never assume that a nice person is your friend, because if he or she determines that your values or goals conflict with his or her own, this “buddy” can turn on you in a second.

Being a non-conformist has nothing to do with being a show-off who needs to throw his weight around to impress others with his superior intellect. Because even if you do have great ideas, no one will care if you’re a jerk about it. And you’ll only create enemies who could have been your allies.

You can be a non-conformist and not feel the need to advertise it until it is necessary to do so. Be smart, be cunning. Be security-minded with the people around you. Because until someone has proven his or her loyalty, he or she is NOT your friend. ???

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Strategy #2: Master the Spoken Word

Non-conformists cannot afford to be social buffoons. If you have any non-conformist proclivities, you must take additional measures to master the realm of communication or you will always be your own worst enemy.

There are plenty of resources that can help one improve his or her speaking abilities, and there are a range of communication skills that can be developed. These include public speaking, negotiation, sales, and coaching, among others.

You can have the most brilliant ideas in the world, but if you can't communicate them effectively, you’ll be wasting your time and may attract a boatload of enemies. Mastering your communication skills is key to minimizing self-sabotage. Articulate your thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely or suffer the consequences.

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Strategy #3: Be a Master of Non-Verbal Signals and Behaviors

Communication skills are invaluable. But the spoken word is not enough. You must have the ability to read what is not said. Furthermore, you should have a greater understanding of how your non-verbal behavior is perceived.

Some experts on kinesics (body language), paralinguistics (intonation, pitch, volume, etc.), and proxemics (social space) have asserted that as much as 93% of communication is non-verbal (Mehrabian, 1972). However, more contemporary experts contend that the actual percentage cannot be determined and may be somewhat lower (Thompson, 2011).

Nonetheless, words—by themselves—do not carry the same impact as how they are delivered. What I’m talking about are facial expressions and micro-expressions, our hands, our posture, our proximity relative to others, and the way we vocalize the words themselves.

These are not skills you can pick up from your typical psychology or communication college class. You must obtain these underground skills from unconventional sources.

There are plenty of books and courses you can take to become proficient and even certified in non-verbal communication. Unfortunately, not every so-called expert knows what he or she is talking about. I recommend you learn from those who have an established history working with law enforcement. Examples include Paul Ekman, Stan (“the Lie Guy”) Walters, David Lieberman, and Joe Navarro.

These specialists have not only proven themselves in the real world but they also have the scientific evidence to back their claims. And unlike the superficial body-language tips you might find in some low-information magazine at the local check-out counter, the skill sets you can learn from the aforementioned experts are MASTER-level.

Furthermore, since the non-verbal skills they teach provide forensic value, these specialists also explain how to combine them with surreptitious interrogation techniques. This can be yet another tool that could prove useful.?

Once you’ve learned these skills, you can’t unlearn them. A whole new world will open up to you. No matter where you go, the unspoken word will stand out like a train wreck. Instead of guessing (often wrongly) about people’s hidden motives, you will be much better equipped to read between the lines.?

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Strategy #4: Know Your Facts

Non-conformity can be a source for positive change, but that’s if one actually knows what he or she is talking about. If you wish to convince anyone to embrace new ideas, you better be prepared to support your position with evidence and hard facts. Otherwise, you’ll just be labeled a “conspiracy theorist,” or “fanatic,” and these titles could stay with you for a long time.

Oftentimes, the non-conformist must obtain his or her data from unusual sources. After all, they wouldn’t be considered non-conformists if their ideas were like everyone else’s. Since the less well-known data is harder to come by, greater efforts must be made to validate the claims. This can take a lot of time and energy.

You have to ask yourself if the commitment is worth it to you. If you deem it to be, then you’ve got your work cut out for you.

Fact-check your sources, but be ready to fact-check the fact-checkers. Scrutinize your data, and be prepared to defend your position with hard evidence and a coherent argument. The truth—along with your ability to articulate it—is your most potent weapon, so wield it wisely.

What if you cannot come up with any legit facts to back your claims but you’re convinced you’re onto the truth? You have to ask yourself why you feel such certainty.

If you can clearly explain to yourself why this belief absolutely must be true, perhaps you can do the same for others, if you feel so inclined. Just realize that not everyone will be convinced by your deductions or convictions no matter how convincing you attempt to be.

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Strategy #5: Pick Your Battles

Although you may have a burning desire to challenge the status quo and assert your ideas, it’s not always wise to do so. Not every hill is worth dying on. Not every battle is worth fighting.

Part of being a non-conformist is not caring what people think of you. It’s about walking your own path. If you feel an intense need to impress people with your brilliant arguments, that is validation- and approval-seeking behavior. That’s narcissism.

Yes, some non-conformists are narcissists. But you don’t have to be.

Narcissists can be good at convincing others to see things their way, but to achieve that necessitates disingenuous tactics. Why even bother if doing so means you’ve got to be fake? That is antithetical to the nature of the evolved non-conformist. Besides, narcissism eventually gets exposed.

Besides not needing to impress others, there’s also the question of whether the benefits outweigh the consequences. Put another way, when faced with a situation where we are tempted to defy the status quo or show someone how right we are, we must be willing to conduct a cost-benefit analysis.

For example, you may have a family member who vehemently opposes your political views. If this individual is not known to possess the ability to have a friendly and civil debate about the subject, you may want to avoid the discussion entirely.

Even if you relish a good fight, that may not be the case with family. So, if you wish to maintain positive relations with this person, you may have no choice but to keep conversations light and off political topics.

There’s a good chance you know exactly what I’m talking about. It sucks, but it is what it is. There are some family members you just can’t be 100% up-front with without irrevocably damaging that relationship.

But hey, there are some people who would rather prove themselves “right” at the expense of their relationship. Everyone has their priorities.

Pick your battles wisely and strategically. Focus your energy on issues that truly matter to you and where your contrarian nature can make a real difference. Don't waste your time and resources on minor skirmishes that won't move the needle or that cause more problems than they are worth.

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Strategy #6: Find Allies

As non-conformists, it may seem like the best defense is to segregate ourselves and erect an impenetrable fortress that protects us from our adversaries. However, this course of action merely tells our potential enemies where they can place their targets. A smarter strategy is to employ Machiavelli’s method of forming strategic alliances so that even your enemies are on your side.

You may be wondering how it’s possible to be a non-conformist and simultaneously be cunning at the same time. One approach defies authority and social norms while the other leverages interpersonal relations for protection. Aren’t these methods antithetical to each other?

They can indeed be in opposition if you choose to comply when doing so violates your personal code. But until you cross that bridge, why go out of your way to burn it?

If or when the time comes to put your foot down for your convictions, the consequences of your decision will be less severe if you’ve got some allies who can vouch for you. Especially if some of those allies are the ones who have the power to throw the book at you.

Keep in mind that an ally is not necessarily your friend. In fact, he or she can potentially be your enemy. Such an individual may even stand diametrically opposed to your views.

Good. If you can find some common ground, you will have a better-than-average shot at achieving your objectives and making your stand with minimal “casualties.” As the saying goes, keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.

Realize this: Everyone has his or her own values, goals, and agendas, including you. Few people care enough about you to jeopardize their social and professional connections for your fight. Therefore, if you have any interest in actually winning your battles, you’ve got to know how to win people over first. ?

Besides, you don’t want to make the same mistake that conformists make, which is to remain in their collectivist echo chamber. Having allies who differ from you allows you to see the world through their eyes. This can only add to your unique perspective. ?

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“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” ― Sun Tzu (The Art of War)

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PART VI: CAN A CONFORMIST BECOME A NON-COMFORMIST?

At this point, some readers may be wondering if it’s possible for a conformist to become a non-conformist. In most instances, I would say no. At least, not voluntarily.

I believe it would take an unusual set of life-altering circumstances to shake most sheeple out of their collectivist fog to even begin to contemplate what’s beyond their groupthink bubble. Why would someone who has devoted his or her entire life to thinking—or rather, not thinking—a certain way suddenly have a reason to change unless something extreme has intervened?

It could be argued that introspection can change one’s paradigm without the need for extreme shifts in one’s life. But what would need to occur for such reflection to lead someone to these conclusions? And what would cause a non-critical thinker to even consider introspection in the first place?

But. You may not be like "most" people.

Perhaps a new perspective from something such as this article might help. That is my hope. I do believe that there are a few readers who might realize that under certain circumstances, they do possess the qualities of the non-conformist but that they could use a little work in other areas where they’ve allowed their egos and assumptions to get in the way.

As I’ve said earlier, even some of the smartest people tend to compartmentalize their critical thinking so that they employ these skills sometimes, but not always. If you suspect that’s you, the fact that you can exercise sound judgment under certain circumstances is hopeful. That tells me you’ve got the intellectual potential to expand your perspective. ?

If you can muster the courage, I challenge you to question authority and consensus. Spend some time reflecting and let go of your need to feel right. Take more risks. Restrain yourself from taking sides long enough to conduct new research so you can formulate your own conclusions.

If you make these practices a habit, you may begin to question some of the potentially incorrect assumptions you’ve held about your worldview. If so, you just might surprise yourself.

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“Most people are not even aware of their need to conform. They live under the illusion that they follow their own ideas and inclinations, that they are individualists, that they have arrived at their opinions as the result of their own thinking—and that it just happens that their ideas are the same as those of the majority.” ― Erich Fromm (The Art of Loving)

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CONCLUSION

Being a non-conformist is no easy path. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart. You’ve got to have balls of steel and a willingness to occasionally piss off a few people (just like I’ve undoubtedly done with a few offended readers who dislike this very statement).

In this article, I’ve done my best to outline the reasons most people are conformists, how conformity facilitates tyranny, the advantages of non-conformity, the potential pitfalls of defying social norms, and what strategies non-conformists can take to minimize the problems that come with challenging the status quo. I’ve also peppered in a few suggestions to the few conformists out there who want to break free from the Matrix.

I hope this article resonated with you, because I enjoyed writing it. Question everything, and be bold.

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Osmond, C. (n.d.). Close proximity or in close proximity – Meaning & definition. Grammarist. https://grammarist.com/plurals/close-proximity/#:~:text=Yes%2C%20%E2%80%9Cclose%20proximity%E2%80%9D%20is,get%20the%20same%20point%20across.

Mehrabian, A. (1972). Nonverbal communication. Aldine Transaction.

Milgram, S. (1965). Liberating effects of group pressure.?Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1(2), 127–134.?https://doi.org/10.1037/h0021650

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. (1996). CIA's use of journalists and clergy in intelligence operations: Hearing before the Select Committee on Intelligence of the United States Senate, One Hundred Fourth Congress, second session. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/sites/default/files/hearings/ciasuseofjournal00unit.pdf

The New York Times. (1977, December 26). Worldwide Propaganda Network Built by the C.I.A. https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/26/archives/worldwide-propaganda-network-built-by-the-cia-a-worldwide-network.html

Thompson, J. (2011, September 30). Is nonverbal communication a numbers game? Is body language really over 90% of how we communicate? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-words/201109/is-nonverbal-communication-a-numbers-game

Vanderwicken, P. (1995, May-June). Why the news is not the truth. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/1995/05/why-the-news-is-not-the-truth

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