![\"Normality\"](\"https:\/\/www.neuropool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Normalitaet.png\")
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Most character traits are evenly distributed across the population. About 65% of people have average intelligence, personality and creativity, as well as average memory and leadership potential. Unfortunately, few people are aware of this. They would describe themselves as above average in many desirable traits, which of course is not possible in purely mathematical terms.<\/p>\n
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Interestingly, it is almost insulting when someone is called average. In today's world, everyone strives to be \"unique\" and \"special\". In fact, most people would rather be distinguished by something negative than just normal. Normality is not enough. Striving for uniqueness is a form of narcissism that has only begun to rise steadily in the last hundred years and is further encouraged by social media.<\/p>\n
Contrary to the popular belief today that uniqueness is desirable, there are many advantages to just being normal and average. Many psychological ailments grow out of the urge to be special. Average people are far less likely to suffer from depression or mental health problems. Even the traits known as positive, such as ambition, sociability, self-confidence and conscientiousness, can become a health problem if lived in extreme form.
Ambition can develop into greed, sociability into an addiction to being the centre of attention, self-confidence into arrogance and conscientiousness into obsessive-compulsive disorder.
So instead of achieving particularly high values in such good character traits, it is much more desirable to be in the normal range, otherwise the traits become destructive. Strive for normality.<\/p>\n
Genetically, every human being and every animal is unique in this world. So there is no reason to stand out with special characteristics. Perceived uniqueness does not make people happy. Unfortunately, great emphasis is also placed by the media on each person being special in order to entice them to consume more in society. The glorification of non-conformity and unconventionality is a bulwark of our consumer society.<\/p>\n
In truth, our world is created for average people. If everyone actually excelled at some extreme, our society could not function. But many people cling to the illusion that they themselves are the exception in a sea of normal and average people.<\/p>\n
Of course, social progress is shaped by people who are exceptional in one way or another. However, these people make up only about one per cent. They stand out from the crowd because of a combination of exceptional knowledge or talent and the coincidence of being in the right place at the right time where they can contribute through their exceptionality. If the remaining 99% could come to terms with the fact that their abilities and attributes fall within a normal range, this would reflect a healthier, more rational self-concept rather than illusions and delusions of grandeur.
Basically, it is healthier for you to see yourself as you really are instead of suffering from a distorted self-image. While there seem to be advantages to presenting oneself as more competent than one is, this self-deception comes at a price.
When people with fantasised rather than real talents rise to positions of power and influence, their career success is offset by the collective failure of others, because no one gains any advantage from the success of incompetent people. Sooner or later their incompetence comes to light, usually when the damage is already too high.<\/p>\n
Most people are more likely to see positivity in others if they live in harmony with their averageness. A modest person with average talents is usually more likeable than a complacent person with average talents. Those who are modest show their true competence.
The surest way to antagonise your peers is to show that you think you are better than they are. When you speak, every facet of your personality is on display. The slightest hint of megalomania or self-importance is negative. Humility on the other hand wins confidence and goodwill. Normality is a good thing!<\/p>\n
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