Our differences make us rich. We must foster this singularity to grow our true selves and reconcile with ourselves.
Singularity defines us and makes us sure we're ourselves, even if we can't see it.
For Marie-Jean Sauret, “singularity is to be understood in the mathematical sense, that of a literally exceptional value with regard to a function”. This singularity defines all humans. Sometimes, depending on our character or age, we want to eliminate these singularities. But we have a great gift: we must discover this secret garden and develop its unique flora.
Answering this is tricky. We only know we have uniqueness because we are distinct and not mistaken with others.
This singularity combines our character, personality, values, qualities, and faults. It makes us unique among billions of people and makes us know there are no two like ourselves.
Hannah Ardendt believed that totalitarian ideologies, particularly Nazi ideology, were able to quiet this distinctiveness in each person, turning them into a homogeneous mass incapable of resisting power.
Being unique is a mix of everything that makes us, thus cultivating it requires personality affirmation. Yes, but not only. You must know your uniqueness to grow it!
“The man who lives by describing himself holds to his singularity–what makes him unique. His individuality is life”, Mauriac, “Écrits Intimes”
Our individuality comes from these small details.
Identifying your individuality is the first step to developing it. How do we know ourselves? How can we know who is behind the veneer we all create for ourselves, consciously or not, to protect ourselves, integrate better socially, go undetected, or stand out?
Take the positive from your descriptive adjectives.
Write down all your adjectives on a piece of paper. Don't judge yourself, don't write down adjectives you wish you had, but those that describe you today. Don't criticise yourself and take the positive from each adjective:
Getting lazy teaches you to cherish the present.
Responsibility and prudence go together.
Being a go-getter enables speedy decision-making.
If certain adjectives upset you or you no longer want them, ask yourself why.
You having problems advancing at work? Do you have bad habits like staying up late?
Do you feel jaded or anxious?
Showcase your values
These values shape our personality and drive our daily behaviours. Ask yourself these questions to learn more:
Knowing and accepting oneself is challenging, and we always have parts we struggle with. Shadows, blunders, beliefs, and mental habits we can't avoid.
Knowing and understanding yourself takes time. Allow yourself time and space to tame and express your uniqueness. Try new things—painting, photography, dance, walking, music—to get out of your comfort zone.
You will gradually realise your uniqueness and adore yourself with it. Loving yourself lets you exhibit it and be yourself.