UNREASONABLE

“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.”

– George Bernard Shaw

It’s an inspiring quote that feels as alive and contemporary today as when George Bernard Shaw wrote it in 1903. The beauty about this quote is that it speaks about progress in such a broad sense. It’s as equally applicable to someone who’s fighting for social justice, as it is to someone inventing the next technological breakthrough. It’s a statement about having truth in your purpose, an overwhelming conviction in what you believe in and the persistence to see it through.

So, what does it mean to be unreasonable?
Do you have to have a world changing idea?
Do you have to compromise everything to make it work?
Do you have to be an asshole?

The answer could be yes to all the above at some level, but it doesn’t have to be.

For me, being unreasonable comes in small instances at moments which may seem inconsequential, but these small acts are what contribute to a bigger change in mindset. It’s things like:

• Choosing to work on your passion, at a time when it’s easier not to.

• Rejecting an offer, when you know it doesn’t align with who you are and where you’re going.

• Choosing one product over another when you know it’s better for our planet.

• Spreading a positive message which may seem unpopular but can help change people’s minds about certain issues.

Being unreasonable needs to start with yourself. With who you are, what you stand for, what you stand against and what you believe in. It takes courage, faith, persistence and yes, perhaps a good dose of stubbornness, to make it happen.

It’s easy to say don’t give up. It’s even easier to actually give up. The hard part is being unreasonable.

In the end it comes down to you.

Stick with it. 

– MC Lupo