Why We Need More Contrarians and Free Thinkers in This World

Steve Barr's Medium Profile
The Startup Vagabond
5 min readMay 15, 2023

1. Introduction

A contrarian is someone who takes an opposing view, even if it means going against the grain. In other words, a contrarian is a free thinker who is not afraid to challenge the status quo.

The world needs more contrarians because they are the people who push us to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative ideas. They help us question our assumptions and preconceptions, and they force us to confront our biases head-on.

Contrarians also make us more open-minded and tolerant of others. When we are exposed to new and different ideas, it encourages us to reexamine our own beliefs and perspectives. This, in turn, makes us more flexible and adaptable to change.

So why not embrace your inner contrarian? Be the free thinker that the world needs!

2. What is a contrarian?

Contrarians are individuals who do not conform to existing norms. They often think differently, challenge authority and speak out against conformity. They question the status quo and search for new solutions and perspectives.

Contrarians tend to think independently and deeply. They are not afraid to voice their opinions, even if it means going against the grain. They aren’t afraid to have unpopular opinions or challenge the majority.

Contrarians are also unconstrained by what society dictates as the right solution or answer. They look for alternatives to the given and search for new perspectives. They don’t just accept the majority view — they question it.

As social creatures, we are inclined to conform to the majority views to fit in and be accepted. But contrarians push back against this pressure and speak out against the majority opinion. They don’t comply, and instead, challenge norms and break conventions in order to solve problems in new and creative ways.

3. Why do we need more contrarians and free thinkers in this world?

We need more contrarians and free thinkers in this world because they bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. They have the power to provide us with unique solutions that have the potential to make a positive change in the world.

Contrarians and free thinkers are not afraid to challenge the norm, and this can open up opportunities for dialogue and collaboration that would not have been available otherwise. They encourage thinking outside the box and can lead to meaningful advances in the way we solve problems.

In addition, contrarians and free thinkers can help open up conversations about difficult topics and make progress in areas where progress seems impossible. They provide us with unique solutions that can help us move towards positive change, and positive solutions can benefit everyone.

From an economic standpoint, contrarians are invaluable. They can help create businesses and were able to bring technological advancements and other ideas that can spur economic growth.

Ultimately, contrarians and free thinkers bring an invaluable perspective to the table and are an essential part of making progress in the world.

4. How can you become a contrarian or free thinker?

Becoming a contrarian or free thinker isn’t easy. It takes dedication, courage and a willingness to go against the grain to truly become a contrarian or free thinker. Here are some tips to help you become one:

- Read widely and learn as much as you can about different topics.

- Think critically and ask questions to challenge the status quo.

- Foster relationships with people who have different points of view.

- Develop your own viewpoint and become comfortable sharing it.

- Develop an open mind and be willing to see things from all sides.

- Take the time to really understand different perspectives.

- Embrace curiosity, never stop exploring and questioning.

5. The benefits of being a contrarian or free thinker

You may be asking yourself what’s the benefit of being a contrarian or free thinker? There are many advantages that come with being a contrarian or free thinker, such as:

- Being creative and coming up with innovative solutions and ideas.

- Adding meaningful value to conversations and debate.

- Being able to think outside the box and find unique perspectives.

- Appreciating different cultures and lifestyles more deeply.

- Analyzing arguments more effectively and developing a higher level of critical thinking.

- Gaining an edge in problem-solving situations and devising a plan of action quickly.

- Being able to challenge conventions and stand up for an unpopular opinion.

6. In the end…

The world needs more contrarians and free thinkers. We live in an age of conformity and orthodoxy, living lives in which we rarely challenge the status quo. However, engaging in contrarian and free thinking can open new doors and can help individuals, businesses and entire societies achieve their massive potential.

Intellect, creativity and innovation can all be found by challenging the traditional thought process and seeking out unique takes on seemingly intractable issues. We need to seek out contrarians in our circles and create an atmosphere where free thinking and new ideas are explored, discussed and encouraged, no matter how controversial they are.

It is not easy to go against the grain, but it is absolutely worth it. With a solid understanding of why we need more contrarians and free thinkers, we can all make a conscious effort to prioritize them in our lives and contribute to the creation of a more innovative and progressive society.

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Steve Barr's Medium Profile
The Startup Vagabond

Author, Publisher,Veteran In Residence @ Bunker Labs, Co-Founder & Host at El Lodge Taos , Open Range Steward, Human Rights & Environmental Advocate, Ski Bum.