Human Nature Craves The Opposite Of That Thing
Alright, diving headlong into the essence of what feels like a contrarian’s mantra, but is actually an extraordinarily potent piece of advice.
“Observe the masses, and then do the complete opposite.” Now, let’s break that down. The masses, or let’s call it the ‘collective inertia’ of the public, often move in predictable, emotionally driven waves. They flock towards safety, comfort, and the familiar — human nature craves the path of least resistance. It’s like gravity; it pulls you towards the center of the mass, where everything is safe, comfortable, and… overwhelmingly mediocre.
Here’s where I would pivot, and with a certain flair for the dramatic, advocate for the complete opposite. Why? Because in the opposite of mass action lies opportunity — the fringes, the edges, where the air is thin, and the crowd is sparse. That’s where you find the white spaces in markets, the unaddressed needs, the next big thing. Innovation doesn’t cuddle up with the status quo. It challenges it, disrupts it, and eventually, redefines it.
Doing the complete opposite of the masses isn’t just about being different for the sake of it. That’s a misinterpretation. It’s about being insightful. It’s about seeing what others don’t, understanding the signals in the noise, the patterns in the chaos. It’s about having the courage to pursue a vision that others might not yet see, the resilience to withstand the gale-force winds of doubt, and the tenacity to keep pushing when the going gets tough.
Let’s talk strategy, something I would pivot to after setting the stage. The strategy here isn’t to just zig when others zag out of spite, but to methodically evaluate where the masses are overinvesting emotionally and financially, and then to look in the opposite direction for undervalued opportunities. It’s about using data, trends, and foresight to anticipate where the market is moving, not where it currently is.
For entrepreneurs, this might mean developing products that initially seem niche or counterintuitive but address emerging behaviors or technologies. For investors, it could be about placing bets on industries or sectors that are currently out of favor but are poised for disruption or growth. And for educators and thought leaders, it means challenging conventional wisdom, pushing for reform in how we teach, learn, and think about success in the digital age.
In essence, observing the masses and doing the opposite is a call to action. It’s an encouragement to embrace risk, to be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire, and to always, always, question the status quo. Because in a world where everyone is content to swim in the same direction, it’s the ones who dare to swim against the current that truly make waves. And in the vast ocean of life and business, making waves is what it’s all about.
So, the next time you find yourself standing at the crossroads of conformity and the road less traveled, ask yourself: What would I do? Then, maybe, just maybe, do the complete opposite of what you think everyone else would do.
Brian Fink is the author of Talk Tech To Me. He takes on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplifies them for the modern recruiter. Fink’s impassioned wit and humor tackle the highs and lows of technical recruiting with a unique perspective — a perspective intended to help you find, engage, and partner with professionals.
