When we think of the word weird, we often think of something that is strange and different, and it often has a negative connotation. When a person is called weird, it is usually meant as an insult. It highlights a person’s difference from the rest of the tribe and, though standing out is something that society says it rewards, it is most often punished. At our core, humans do not like what is different and fear that which they do not understand.

Some time ago I wrote an article for another publication titled, “Embrace Your Inner Weirdo.” In the article I used a specific definition that defined a weirdo is someone who wasn’t afraid to be themselves. Though I do concede that some level of conformity is necessary, such as not stealing or hurting others, genius and creativity are, by their very definitions, forms of weirdness as they are different and unique qualities.

Albert Einstein, everyone’s favorite, wild-haired genius, once said that we cannot solve problems using the same kind of thinking that we used when we created them. He was actually referring to the creation of atomic weapons, but this rough quote holds true for many things, including tapping into our inner weirdo. This means embracing outside-of-the-box thinking.

In an article titled “The Creative Benefits of Being Weird,” published by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkley, the authors warned to not underestimate weirdos. They are CEOs and scientists — artists and visionaries. They are the people creating disruptive companies and inventing the latest technologies. They are the ones that found social movements that change the world. If it were not for weirdos, nothing would change and that would be a bad thing. There would be no progress, no innovation, and nothing to make the world better.

We all have a little weirdo inside of us trying to get out. JP Sears, comedian and motivational speaker, gave a speech that went viral entitled the Virtues of Weirdness. In the speech, Sears says that underneath our clothes, all people are just a bunch of naked weirdos. What he means by this is that humans all possess some innate uniqueness and it is this uniqueness that makes us special. The clothes in his metaphor are the societal norms that discourage creativity and force us to hide who we truly are for fear of being labeled different.

When the average person follows social norms like a sheep and bases their actions completely on what they are told by authority figures, weirdos will question what they are told. They will be far less likely to listen to to social “rules” and will instead venture into previously unknown territory. They are the creators and the innovators because on some level they don’t know that what they dream should be impossible. Weirdos think unconventionally and, while some of their ideas will fail, will succeed in breaking new ground for humanity in art, science, and other disciplines.

Everyone has the potential for weirdness/creativity. I do not believe creativity is learned, only developed. Embrace it! It is this inner uniqueness that sparks new ideas and helps us to carve new trails in whatever it is that we are passionate. Weirdos think differently. They sometimes having trouble filtering out stray thoughts. Sometimes this is problematic, but other times this produces gems that can be utilized at a later time. Understand that everyone has the capacity to view the world in a unique way and has something to offer to humanity. Instead of stifling these ideas, we should be celebrating them and using them for the greater good.

Make no mistake, things that are different will often face criticism and rejection. You will be mocked for your ideas and unappreciated. Do not let this stop you. In time, being your true, creative self will pay off. You will be happier and more fulfilled and will be less concerned of what others think of you. Life is so short. Be who you are, weirdo and all. Who knows, you might just come up the next great idea or invention or write the next great American novel. Regardless, embrace your inner uniqueness. Be open to new ideas and experiences and live life to its fullest.