"To go against the dominant thinking of your friends, of most of the people you see every day, is perhaps the most difficult act of heroism you can have."American Journalist/Writer
1915 - 1986
As artists and creative leaders, we often have to stand alone against the thinking of family and friends. This is very difficult to do and often we will be criticized for what we think and the way we behave. This happened to me early in my life. I grew up in the Mennonite church in central Illinois. When I was a sophomore in high school, I committed myself to being a minister. By the time I was a senior, I was no longer a believer in the faith of my forefathers. This admission was very difficult for both my mother and father to hear. Do you stand up for what you believe even though the people around you disagree with you? Did you become an artist despite the wishes of your parents? Many parents prefer their children become doctors and lawyers. It takes a strong-willed individual to become a writer or a painter in the face of parental opposition. As Theodore White says, each of you are heroes. Celebrate and appreciate your strength and individuality.
