We talked about idealism, confinement, conformity, social structure and power. Living according to your beleifs or surrendering to the sometimes harsh reality.
It's interesting - as you get to know people you learn new things about yourself. Just as that poem (see bellow).
I sometimes defend my actions - when I "bend" the rules by; at least I know that I'm violating them. Most of the time I know the right way to act, but sometimes I choose to act in an other way. Just to stir the pot, amuse myself or to acknowledge the rule at hand (because I find it stupid). Doesn't mean I'm really right or wrong. As a friend says - Always remeber that there are all kinds. (which is one of the insightful things ever to come out of his mouth.)
In sociology there's a theory about systems (social) as school, work etc. That the first thing people do when the find themselfs part of such - they learn all what's right and allowed, second, they learn how to bend the rules.
I think you are drawn to those people who in some ways share traits in yourself that you like, just as you can't stand people who obtain your bad ways. (aren't they just obnocious?)
And that's John Donne was right on target, however a bit cheasy when he wrote:
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manner of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
That's why things like Britney makes me feel embarrassed too.
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