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Ten
students were asked to engage in a class-room experiment in Human
Behavior. Different length lines were drawn on the chalk-board.
Then the instructor pointed to a line second in length, and
asked all who believed this to be the longest line to raise
their hand. Unknown to one student, nine of the ten had been
previously instructed to "vote" for this line, so nine
hands were raised. The tenth student, knowing the line was not the
longest, hesitated — then seeing the other hands, raised his
hand also.
I
am told that in repeated experiments the percentage of
capitulation to the majority opinion was very high, especially
when the odds were nine against one. When only eight voted in
"error" the percentage of capitulation dropped, though
still high. Not only did the two buck a smaller majority, but they
encouraged one another to render an honest judgment.
Reminds
me of the time I remained seated at the display of an American
flag, and the playing of the U.S. national anthem. Everyone
remained seated. But as I was leaving the building I overheard one
man say to another, "You know, I felt a bit guilty
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about not
rising when they played the Star Spangled Banner, but no one else
did so." His companion nodded assent. And I have kicked
myself ever since for not leading a patriotic movement. If one
person had arisen in respect for our flag and country I am
convinced all present would have done so.
In
this day of conformity, all the more reason for daring to lead —
to have convictions and therefore speak or act. We lament the
dearth of leaders and heroes without realizing that these are
often ordinary people who arose to the need of the moment. They
did what was right, without waiting to see if others did
the same thing.
Individuality
is not kooky. That is often only the "show-off" traits
of one who actually is extra hungry for recognition by the masses.
But genuine individuality acts regardless of what others think.
The Christian individual (and all Christians come to
Christ, and serve Him, in a one-on-one basis) marches to a divine
drumbeat. He seeks to learn the will of the Lord, and as he acts
he checks to see only if the Lord is pleased.
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