Every society has its own set of vise clamps. Every society tries its subliminal damnedest to squeeze the individual in them until he conforms to some life pattern that society has deemed acceptable. And most of us aren’t nearly strong enough to resist it.
That’s neither good nor bad; it simply is. But the “is-ness” of it accounts for a fair amount of human dissatisfaction. For at any given time and any selected society, there will be individuals who cannot or will not conform. Their desire to deviate from the accepted patterns makes them unhappy. Oftentimes it makes others unhappy as well.
In witness whereof, have a declaration from a brilliant writer, Armond Boudreaux:
You are not an interchangeable economic unit. Your life isn’t interchangeable with someone else’s. Your gifts and talents aren’t interchangeable with those of others. Your family isn’t interchangeable. Your neighbors aren’t interchangeable. Your community isn’t interchangeable. https://t.co/yIkS0AC3IH pic.twitter.com/ORPtS0gTj5
— Armond Boudreaux (@armondboudreaux) July 30, 2026
All that is indisputable. Yet survival itself sometimes hangs on conformity. When that’s the case, finding a modus vivendi is a major challenge. It can absorb one’s whole existence.
The general level of prosperity that obtains in a society is a rough determinant of how much nonconformity it can tolerate. A few seconds’ thought will make the correlation clear. Thus, if you live in a poor society, you may not be able to escape conforming to one of the life patterns your society tacitly prescribes. But if you live in a rich society, you’re far more likely to find a “middle way” that will both allow you your differences and permit you to support yourself.
Americans, especially radical nonconformists: Give thanks for capitalism. It makes your deviance possible. If you understand this, you’ve grasped a fact few of your fellows can comprehend.
Have a nice day.
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