Image prompt: high res Ikigai diagram, exploding with colors
[The following was copied and pasted from GPT-4 after I fed it a transcript of a 3 minute ramble I had recorded while walking just now and asked it to turn it into a 3000 word blog in the style of Morgan Housel]
The Uniqueness of You: One of One
In his latest book, Kevin Kelly, the renowned writer and visionary, discusses an enlightening concept, "You have to be the best one of one." This phrase struck a chord with me, and I couldn't help but ponder the profound implications it holds for our identities, our relationships, and our interactions with society.
When it comes to standing out, especially in relationships or any social context, we often find ourselves sticking to the pack. We absorb societal norms, adopt predefined identities, and follow in the footsteps of our favorite stars. Yet, as we toe the line between fitting in and standing out, we may lose sight of our individuality.
This is where Kelly's concept of being the "best one of one" comes in handy. In essence, it's about embracing your uniqueness, being yourself unapologetically. It is understanding that, in the grand scheme of things, there is only one you – one Cordero, one Sarah, one John, one of every name, every background, every experience.
This realization may sound straightforward, but it's anything but. We are so deeply entrenched in our social constructs that we forget we're not in competition with anyone else. This isn't a race, nor a battle for attention. It's a journey of self-discovery, and the destination is authenticity.
Let me share a funny story. I once Googled my name, curious about my digital footprint, and discovered a man named Jarrell Cory, whose first and last names were the exact inverse of mine. It was a peculiar, almost surreal, experience. It was like stumbling upon a mirror reflecting an alternate universe, where my alter-ego lived a different life. But despite the uncanny resemblance in our names, there's only one me and one him, both of us distinct and irreplaceable.
The crux of the matter is this: while it may seem compelling to emulate your role models or adopt an identity – a skater, a sports enthusiast, a tech wizard – you can never fully embody someone else's persona. You are your unique combination of interests, hobbies, experiences, and background.
A wise friend once reframed my perspective on this during a conversation when I was uncertain about my life's path. I had an array of interests but felt directionless. His advice was simple yet profound: "What makes you unique is the collection or combination of interests, not just one particular passion." In essence, it's not about the individual interests but how they come together to form the unique mosaic that is you.
This notion is reminiscent of the Japanese concept of 'Ikigai,' where you find purpose at the intersection of what you love, what the world needs, what you are good at, and what you can be paid for. Like Ikigai, your identity is at the intersection of your passions, skills, and societal values. It's about embracing your uniqueness and channeling it into something meaningful.
However, in the pursuit of being the "best one of one," it's crucial not to forget that we are simultaneously unique and ordinary. While our experiences and interests make us distinct, they are also universally shared. This duality is what makes life complex and beautiful.
It's important to acknowledge the shared human experiences that unite us, to learn from others and from history. We can see the reflections of our own experiences in those of others, learn from their triumphs and missteps. But remember, while we share common experiences, how we interpret and respond to these experiences is what sets us apart.
The world is full of people who share our interests. However, it is the unique combination of these interests and how we pursue them that defines us. Like pieces of a puzzle, they come together to form a picture that is uniquely ours. The world may have many 'Corderos,' but there's only one who loves solar energy, behavioral psychology, teaching math to teenagers, coaching volleyball, and working at a brewery.
We are all unique, not because of our individual interests or experiences but because of how these elements blend together to form who we are. So, it's not about striving to be the best amongst others, but about being the best version of yourself.
To quote Kevin Kelly, "The goal in life is when you die, you are uniquely yourself." This encapsulates the essence of being the "best one of one." Life is about becoming who you are meant to be, authentically and unapologetically. It's about recognizing and embracing our uniqueness and using it to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others.
So, here's my advice: Lean into your uniqueness. Don't view yourself in competition with others, but focus on being uniquely you. You are the best "one of one" there is, and there's nothing more special than that.