by Sunil Bali, 28-02-16

How many people do you think will cry at your funeral?

10, 20, ….. 30 maybe?

It’s been estimated that around 12-15 people cry at the average funeral.

Why then do we give a Friar Tuck about the opinion of countless others?

The answer lies a mere 20,000 years ago in the Paleolithic or Stone Age.

Back then, our caveman ancestors had to be part of a small tribe if they were to survive. A tribe meant access to more food and greater protection. So being accepted by the tribe, especially those in authority, was critical.

Being rejected by, or worse still getting kicked out by the tribe, resulted in a dramatically shortened lifespan. Being socially accepted was everything.

In short, our bodies and minds are built to live in a small tribe in 20,000BC.

That’s why we humans have evolved an obsession with what others think of us.

A craving for social approval which tragically silences our authentic voice.

In the 21st century we need to work on our own agenda and not respond to someone else’s.

So tell me, whose opinion do you need to stop caring about?

Humour

Put downs by comedians to hecklers:

Sorry I can’t understand what you’re saying. I’m wearing a moron filter – Arthur Smith

Your bus leaves in 10 minutes. Be under it – John Cooper Clarke

What are you so angry about? Has the price of Play Dough gone up? – Henning Wehn

Well it’s a night out for him and a night off for his family – Jack Dee

Pay attention madam and you’ll realise that we have several things in common, not just the beard – Markus Birdman

 

Live big & love deep.

Sunil

www.sunilbali.com