It takes courage to be who you are in a society that wants you to be otherwise.---

From the Edo period, a Japanese proverb, “Deru kugi wa utareru” (出る杭は打たれる), meaning “the nail that sticks out gets hammered down,” aptly describes the societal pressure to conform. This metaphor refers to individuals who distinguish themselves by being “different” and, as a result, face pressure to conform and not stand out.

Historically, as hunter-gatherers began to form groups, conforming to social norms was crucial for survival. Deviating from these norms could lead to exclusion from the group, significantly lowering one’s chances of survival.

Today, however, I would argue that the opposite is true: being the same as everyone else can actually decrease your chances of thriving. “Survival” is not merely about staying alive—it’s about living life on your terms, not according to societal expectations.

If you choose conformity, consider a fitting proverb from Kenshiro in “Fist of the North Star”: “Omae wa mou shindeiru” (おまえはもう死んでる), which translates to “You’re already dead.”

Stay courageous.