Isaac McQueen

'Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking...'- Leo Tolstoy

Today, virtually everyone conforms. We all do what the person next to us is doing, and take other's considerations into account for every action we take. As a race, we hate the feeling of being alone. Being alone is actually a key to Freethinking; you can easily conform and be accepted, but must resist the temptation. You can never become complacent and must always strive to be different. For me, this is what I struggle with most. Especially as a teen, fighting off peer pressure is a hard battle. I could change my identity tomorrow and instantly become more accepted by others. I have to stop for a second and remind myself that I am a Freethinker, changing myself would destroy my identity, my soul.

The first time I came across this quote I was taken aback by its beautiful ambiguity. It is strikingly profound, and silently brilliant all at once. After a quick Google search I discovered that this quote is widely used in atheist and agnostic social circles, perhaps the intent being to promote free thinking without fear of persecution. The hipster online atheist community often theorizes that our societies are constantly being brainwashed with religion to keep us weak. I however, interpreted this quote to mean three things: 1. Keep your mind ajar and enlightened, 2. Do not conform due to pressure, and 3. Remain curious and questioning.

Maybe the most essential piece of this quote is the ending: "This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking..." Freethinkers are the biggest hipsters, they can never follow the status quo. In my situation, being a hipster actually benefits my life. Most of the students at my school usually spend their weekends doing mostly illegal activities, instead I decide to spend time with my family. Many kids at my school have a poor relationship with their family because they spend the majority of their time away from home. Instead of spending time with translucent people who don't care about me, I would rather get to get together with a small group of friends, or watch a movie with my family.

I honestly believe that absolute Freethinkers make up less than 1 percent of the human population. Freethinkers can be identified by their constant questioning, and boundless curiosity. Every office needs one. Every community needs one. Every University needs one. It is very difficult to become a true freethinker, and environmental factors definitely plays a part. Atheism and Freethinking are not the same thing. Freethinkers do not always believe in the same things, including religion and atheism. Freethinking means questioning absolutely everything, but it does not necessarily mean that you can't believe in anything. Freethinking gives you the option to believe in anything you want to, and follow religions.  But, Freethinkers hold nothing sacred, they question everything including their religion.

I believe strongly in thinking for yourself and breaking out of the mundane work cycle. As a Freethinker my passion is to become an entrepreneur, and to never be satisfied with basic employment. I believe in going to college for the experience rather than a degree. I have met many thoughtful people that have praised college as an eye opening experience. I believe it is a crucial step in my maturity, so picking the right institution is crucial! I see college as a place to grow, and I believe I could greatly influence a university as a Freethinker. For me, attending a college is a mutual agreement that should not be agreed upon solely by money. I should be influenced by the university as much as I intend to influence the university. Freethinkers are wild cards, you can never predict what they will do next. However, the ones that become successful, become really successful. So, are you willing to take a chance and accept the next pioneer or take the safe bet?