December 18, 2025

When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other.

Eric Hoffer (1898–1983), American moral and social philosopher, The Portable Curmudgeon, Jon Winokur, ed. (New York: 1987), p.102

Is the peer pressure to which you are subject greater at this stage in your life than it was when you were a teenager, or is the pressure less?

Usually perhaps, but not always. The interesting question is why so few want to stand out, and do so nevertheless; and why so many are afraid to do so.