The Law of Popularity

There was once a little boy who was 5 years of age. As a practice, each year he would meet his grandmother, cousins, aunts and uncles who lived far away, during his summer vacations. That was the best time for him and he always thought why can’t we, like cave men live together, under one roof! A humongous, gigantic and enormous clan – and all of them together and happy.

As he grew and spoke his mind he understood what people like to listen and what people did not want to listen. Hence he started filtering what he wanted to tell and what he did not. In his teens, he went through the shy phase and observed what smooth talking was. Why are some people always criticized and why are some so popular. He then started appreciating what he hated, hated what others hated and realized gees I have a lot of friends and I am popular!

Also, during his academics – when he was asked to write an essay on his family, he thought in the exam centre – I don’t have to think here. I know them all so well that I can write things about them even without thinking. And that is exactly what happened. When he started to write about them, he realized that he had exceeded the word limit and just had to end the essay. But he was now confused, as to why he had to think and say things about other people, he did not want to.

In college, he realized that the people you know, whom you are genuine with and care for them need no justifications and are always there for you – true friends, just a few! To the rest of the world the law of popularity as discovered in his teens was applicable.

Over the years when he developed good friends which were like family and his own family he realized no pretension was needed with them. So why would he become popular and be praised by people, when he said things what people wanted to hear, or when he lied…

The law of popularity is not what everybody likes. Your opinions are not audience poll but your own. And this foremost difference entitles “YOU”, good or bad. Wise if your views are, a number of people would appreciate else you would be slated. Remember, the smarter you get, the more selective you become. So if you cannot shun the deleterious people, who shatter your self-esteem, humbly apply the rule – hear (not listen) and snub. Choose your people. Stop worrying about your fan clubs and hate clubs. Life is too short to loathe prize-fight, get into quarrels and arguments, expect a lot and then cry. It is the selected few who would love you forever and for always. After all, nobody “NEEDS” a family, a marriage, friends or a spouse unless we “WANT” them to be associated with us and to love us by loving them back. (Law of reciprocity)

This year reintroduce the little girl/boy in you who used to love and speak his mind without any filters or conditions or expectations. Apply the new rule of popularity which is not to say what they want to hear BUT to be yourself and lastly, shun the negative ones to get self-motivated and to progress.