The dictionary defines a conformist as a person who conforms, especially unquestioningly, to the unusual practices or standards of a group, society, etc. As such conformists are not viewed as the movers and shakers of this world, since they are more than happy to keep things the way they are.
Conformists are often viewed as rubber "stampers", they do not want to do anything that will "rock the boat", but anything to maintain a steady course. In the political arena they can be viewed as loyal sheep that will not stray form their leader, and may cling to his/her coat-tail if it means survival. Their motto is "if it's working leave it alone". Don't touch it.
Conformists are intelligent individuals, who sometimes make valuable contributions to their community but prefer to remain in the shadows rather than occupy the spotlight. They almost never make the headlines and others are often credited for their efforts.
Characteristics of "Transformers"
To transform means to change in form, appearance, or structure; metamorphose; to change in condition, nature, or character, to change from the inside out. Hence an individual's transformation must first take place in the mind before it can be manifested on the outside. Evidence of one's transformation is by the fruits that they produce.
"Transformers" are essentially non-conformists. They are individuals who refuse to accept the status quo. Clearly "Transformers" are disrupters of the norms and acceptable traditions. Many are more often world changers who leave their marks on the world long after they are gone.
In order to avoid conforming to the world, you have to know who you are and what your purpose is.
"Transformers" believe that although something is working it can still be improved to perform better. They are risk takers and failure is not an option as it provides an opportunity to try something different.
Albert Einstein (one of the greatest "transformers" of the world) puts it this way "The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them." In the same vein he went on to define insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. "Transformers" are prepared to think and act differently to achieve the desired outcome.
Another significant trait of great "Transformers" both past and present is that they are/were visionaries, some of whom had not even completed university. This proves that the impact that one can have on the world is not dependent on the number of university degrees that you possess.
Let me take this opportunity to highlight some of the great world changers ("transformers") who in my mind have influenced and brought impactful changes to the way we live. While there are many others, this is my short list.
Great world changers ("Transformers")
Number one on my list is my Lord and Saviour- Jesus the Christ, the one who has transformed my life. His impact on the world is so significant, in that more than 2000 years after his death, his teachings live on. It is because of Jesus the history of the universe is divided into BC (Before Christ) and AD (anno Domini)..
Mahatma Gandhi a man of humble upbringing who employed non-violent principles and peaceful disobedience in his campaign for Indian independence from the British Empire.
Martin Luther King Jr a civil rights activist who had a dream of racial equality for all people. He envisioned a day when men would be judged not by the colour of their skins but the content of their character. His passionate, but non-violent protests, helped to raise awareness of racial inequalities in America, leading to significant political and social changes.
Rosa Parks an unknown seamstress who got tired of conforming to the unjust rules of sitting to the back of the bus, and one day defiantly took a front row seat instead. Her action has led the U.S. Congress to dub her the "Mother of the Modern-Day Civil Rights Movement".
Nelson Mandela a South African national who peacefully opposed the injustice of apartheid and racial segregation in his country; who after 27 years of imprisonment rose to be that country's first black president.
All of these individuals had one thing in common; they refused to conform to accepted traditions and status quo of their season. I am certain that none of them sat down and drew up a plan to make their place in history, but they earned that place by being non-conformists or" transformers".
Some "transformers" in the field of technology have changed the way we live, work and play. A few of these include:
Mark Zuckerburg the co-founder of Facebook- the largest and fastest growing social network community in the world. Facebook with its network of almost 2 billion users is a leading application in bringing together liked minded people from all over the globe, to the extent that it is difficult to imagine life without Facebook
Bill Gates the principal founder of Microsoft has impacted and influenced the world with how we interact with our computers through the inventions of Windows Interface and other Microsoft applications.
Steve Jobs - the co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer (CEO) of Apple Inc. Jobs has impacted the way we communicate with inventions such as the iPhone and iPad.
There is no doubt that every person listed above has transformed the world in one way or another. Their influences impacted all areas of society including social, technological, economic and political.
Unfortunately I cannot draw up a list of conformists although they represent a majority of people in the world. No one readily comes to mind? Hmm, I wonder why? It is simple, conformists stand in rather than stand out as such they have not left their marks on the world.
How would you rather be remembered as a Conformist or a "Transformer"?
Remember the first step to transformation is to renew your mind and think differently. Make a difference within your sphere of influence and contribute to making a positive change in something or someone. A simple act could have world changing impact
Wisdom is the principal thing. Therefore get wisdom and at the same time ensure you acquire knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
Friday, July 22, 2016
Characteristics of Conformists
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Caviar But Were Afraid To Ask
Once just a symbol of wealth, power and privilege, caviar is back in fashion. Not only that, these exotic fish eggs can be purchased by the average person, if only for special occasions. So how does a person go about enjoying the delicacy of caviar?
Buying caviar can be a little tricky, not typically, caviar may be found in a specialty supermarket. Fresh caviar is a must. It may be sold in red, yellow and blue specialty tins, for the three top varieties of Beluga, Sevruga and Ossetra. It is available to buy over the internet through Caviar Xpress and other firms. The term "Mollosol" means "less salt" and refers to a finer class of caviar. A rare and exotic food item, the cost of caviar can be prohibitive, not usually less than about $100 per ounce.
First of all, it must be stored properly to not lose its flavor, texture and aroma. Once opened, caviar will last about three days. It should never be stored in the freezer, which will destroy its delicate taste and texture. Instead, it should be stored in the refrigerator at the coldest part - the very bottom drawer - at a temperature as close to -1 to -2 degrees Celsius as possible. Ten minutes before your guests arrive, remove it from the fridge, placing it at room temperature, but keep it covered until the very moment it is served.
Accompaniments to caviar are optional. If you choose to use them, try traditional blini's (tiny pancakes) salt crackers, sour cream, or bits of toasted bread. A glass of champagne or "chilled to the bone" vodka is recommended. A normal serving is one or two ounces per person, unless it is being served on top of something else, in which that ratio may be halved.
Serving caviar on a bed of ice will also help it stay fresh and tasty for a little longer. Perhaps it is best served indoors in the summer months. There are special decorative serving dishes designed for this purpose.
Some gourmets claim that the mother of pearl spoon is the only way to go. Recent research shows that using a metal spoon won't hurt the delicate taste, but your guests may not know that. To avoid giving them a reason to look down on your lovely caviar, for psychological reasons more than not, it is probably best to use the former instead of the latter.
Many people feel a pang of guilt eating the expensive and now environmentally endangered delicacy. American caviar production has made a comeback in recent years. Due to risk of endangerment, a ban was issued on exporting Beluga caviar from the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea. In recent years, fish harvesting centers have taken the place of traditional fishing methods which has allowed the number of sturgeon to increase. The increase in fish egg harvesting can be likened to cultured pearly, which in many cases are just as lovely as rare, natural pearls.
Search
<a href= "https://www.viglink.c
<img alt= "VigLink banner" he
</a>