Character of the week: Normality

by Paulo Coelho on June 19, 2011

TRADUCCION EN ESPANOL AQUI>>> Es considerado normal…
TRADUÇÃO EM PORTUGUES AQUI >>>É considerado normal…

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1] Anything that makes us forget our true identity and our dreams and makes us only work to produce and reproduce.

2] Making rules for a war (the Geneva Convention).

3] Spending years at university and then not being able to find a job.

4] Working from nine in the morning to five in the afternoon at something that does not give us the least pleasure, so that we can retire after 30 years.

5] Retiring only to discover that we have no more energy to enjoy life, and then dying of boredom after a few years.

6] Using Botox.

7] Trying to be financially successful instead of seeking happiness.

8] Ridiculing those who seek happiness instead of money by calling them “people with no ambition”.

9] Comparing objects like cars, houses and clothes, and defining life according to these comparisons instead of really trying to find out the true reason for being alive.

10] Not talking to strangers. Saying nasty things about our neighbors.

11] Thinking that parents are always right.

12] Getting married, having children and staying together even though the love has gone, claiming that it’s for the sake of the children (who do not seem to be listening to the constant arguments).

12ª] Criticizing everybody who tries to be different.

14] Waking up with a hysterical alarm-clock at the bedside.

15] Believing in everything that is printed.

16] Wearing a piece of colored cloth wrapped around the neck, known by the pompous name “necktie”.

17] Never asking direct questions, even though the other person understands what you want to know.

18] Keeping a smile on your face when you really want to cry. And feeling sorry for those who show their own feelings.

19] Thinking that art is worth a fortune, or that it is worth absolutely nothing.

20] Always despising what was easily gained, because the “necessary sacrifice” – and therefore also the required qualities – are missing.

21] Following fashion, even though it all looks ridiculous and uncomfortable.

22] Being convinced that all the famous people have tons of money.

23] Investing a lot in exterior beauty and paying little attention to interior beauty.

24] Using all possible means to show that even though you are a normal person, you are infinitely superior to other human beings.

25] In any kind of public transport, never looking straight into the eyes of the other passengers, as this may be taken for attempting to seduce them.

26] When in an elevator, looking straight at the door and pretending you are the only person inside, however crowded it may be.

27] Never laughing out loud in a restaurant, no matter how funny the story is.

28] In the Northern hemisphere, always wearing the clothes that match the season of the year: short sleeves in springtime (however cold it may be) and a woolen jacket in the fall (no matter how warm it is).

29] In the Southern hemisphere, decorating the Christmas tree with cotton wool, even though winter has nothing to do with the birth of Christ.

30] As you grow older, thinking you are the wisest man in the world, even though not always do you have enough life experience to know what is wrong.

31] Going to a charity event and thinking that it is enough to put an end to all the social inequalities in the world.

32] Eating three times a day, even when not hungry.

33] Believing that the others are always better at everything: they are better-looking, more resourceful, richer and more intelligent. Since it’s very risky to venture beyond your own limits, it’s better to do nothing.

34] Using the car as a way to feel powerful and in control of the world.

35] Using foul language in traffic.

36] Thinking that everything your child does wrong is the fault of the company he or she is keeping.

37] Marrying the first person who offers a position in society. Love can wait.

38] Always saying “I tried”, even though you haven’t tried at all.

39] Putting off doing the most interesting things in life until you no longer have the strength to do them.

40] Avoiding depression with massive daily doses of television programs.

41] Believing that it is possible to be sure of everything you have won.

42] Thinking that women don’t like football and that men don’t like interior decoration.

43] Blaming the government for everything bad that happens.

44] Being convinced that being a good, decent and respectful person means that the others will find you weak, vulnerable and easy to manipulate.

45] Being convinced that aggressiveness and discourtesy in treating others are signs of a powerful personality.

46] Being afraid of fibroscopy (men) and childbirth (women).

47] And finally, thinking that your religion is the sole proprietor of the absolute truth, the most important, the best, and that the other human beings in this immense planet who believe in any other manifestation of God are condemned to the fires of hell.
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list compiled by Igor, the main character of “The Winner stands alone”

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{ 292 comments… read them below or add one }

Amanda June 20, 2011 at 12:44 pm

I’m so confused, I honestly thought life was only point 1…I didn’t need to keep reading. Help :(. That’s why I feel so shit, because I lost some hope for life – loads of people have this hope but it keeps getting taken away…:(It’s really sad.

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sri June 20, 2011 at 11:42 am

Thanks.I’m so normal. I keep all the rules.

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Minakshi June 20, 2011 at 10:41 am

Nice one Sir.

Regards,

Minakshi Karan

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Noora June 20, 2011 at 10:15 am

I agree on most parts but the last one hmmm…well obviously if you truely believe in a religion you believe it’s the only way to get to heaven…if you don’t then you’re not REALLY convinced. I am not saying still that if you believe in a religion you can say that all others who don’t believe in it will go to hell because that is against my own religion. Only Allah knows who goes in hell and who goes in heaven in the end…it is not up to us humans. Our job is to do whatever we’re told inorder to go to heaven and leave the judging to Allah.

There was one thing you left out though…I noticed you put down 12 then 12a instead of 13…so maybe you should’ve added…believing in superstitions =P

Salam!

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Milica June 20, 2011 at 9:45 am

why 12a? and nor 13?

thanks for the reply!

m

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Ricardo June 20, 2011 at 1:43 pm

I assume because 13 is a superstitious number and to believe in it is ‘normal’.

Claire Coumbis June 20, 2011 at 9:24 am

Yes – weirdly enough the world is inverse. Those who claim to rule are the down trodden, those who have it all, don’t require a label to tell them they spent more on the same item made in the same country, but labelled by a different corporation. Those who are there don’t judge. Those who are not there judge wildly, looking at the non-judging as lame.
Well thank God for enlightenment, so that those of us who are there can teach the ones who want to be here. The ones who don’t want to be here – may not this lifetime – let them live their purely human existence – it is their journey, their path, their timing.
The most important point in life is to love everyone – those who know, and especially those who don’t, for they need our love the most.

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Juvy Junasa June 20, 2011 at 8:38 am

thanks for sharing this one Paulo.. I really felt so down these days.. And by reading this you lift up my mood!! God bless you Paulo!!

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kevin kilonzi June 20, 2011 at 8:38 am

yeah…actually the last one is true…there is eternal damnation people, got to believe in Jesus

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Meenu June 20, 2011 at 8:27 am

Rules of normality:
1. Remaining in a job you loathe because it earns you money.
2. Wearing fashionable clothes even if the the fabric and the way it is stitched is uncomfortable and does not allow any easy of movement.
3. Thinking bereavement has expiry date, and sibling grief doesn’t even exist.

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ruta June 20, 2011 at 8:23 am

I think these definitions are so true to life. There are many so called ‘normal’ people…

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Nandhini June 20, 2011 at 8:09 am

This makes me feel laugh at myself with the many things I do in the list.

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olivia June 20, 2011 at 8:04 am

Mr. Coelho thank you for giving me the opportunity of learning how to make the best of myself and help other around me.GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.

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THELMA June 20, 2011 at 8:02 am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BewknNW2b8Y

‘I just want to be like other normal people’

God bless him.
LOVE,
Thelma xxx

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Heimo Kruschinski June 20, 2011 at 7:58 pm

Thanks for the link Thelma. I do not know if I should cry or laugh. This goes to the heart, even if it’s just one of those strange casting shows. But the boy is real. And the tears also.

I wish you a wonderful evening, feel hugged

Anna van de Berg June 20, 2011 at 7:50 am

Oh..oh ..oh …this is great speaking about ” normality ” will they said in dutch ” the more you become old, the more you become crazy.” so what is normal now a days???? is good to be crazy sometimes, espe. in this days of credit crisis everywhere, violence, sufferings and sadness and soon…great to be born again…

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Dunia June 20, 2011 at 7:22 am

Thank you Paulo. My question is “what does normality have to do with Tome Cruise jumping on Oprah’s coach?”.

On the other hand what is normal. What is normal in one society is abnormal in another. It is normal for people to shout out loud in traffic in some countries I visited but rude or offensive in another country.

I agree with the religion part. Many problems around the world are caused by people who think their religion is the only true one and refuse to accept otherwise.

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shahinazksybe June 20, 2011 at 6:54 am

because u know how to hold the keys of life n how to show that to ur readers u deserve to be the best

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THELMA June 20, 2011 at 6:39 am

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/speeches-commentary/Pages/william-gates-sr-2010-uw-commencement-100612.aspx

William Gates’ INSPIRING speech!

Things have changed for normal, ordinary people. What we must change NOW is the way we look at things and the way we react: to fight for the Human Rights in the World but for our ATOMIC Rights too. It does not matter if we do not appear as NORMAL! We will be and feel passionate, enthusiastic, joyful human beings! We have to dare DREAM and see our dreams come true.
LOVE,
Thelma xxx

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Afa June 20, 2011 at 6:15 am

these are very detailed observaytions, and maybe things that went throughe mind of each person but were not said outloud. but i can not agree that these are defenition on normality. first of all you have to adapt to situation and the time that you live in in oreder to be normal, never to obstain from the rest, because in most cases exept of drawing attention it has no meaning. as i read from your wonderfull books, if u cant be different be with same as others(veronika decides to die). more, i cant not find Igor a normal person, who doesnt do all of the above himself, and doesnt like people doing that either, and doesnt know that everyone has it own path. alla i can say is that Igor is a typicly Normal manyak :)

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Geena June 20, 2011 at 6:07 am

This was seriously beautiful. And so scarily accurate that it gives me the chills that i can relate to it so much..

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Sarah June 20, 2011 at 6:06 am

I read those before in one of your books , but the question is should we break one or more from this (rules) ??
In my opinion I think we should break one or more but the right one and at the right time in order to make a difference in this world (Positive Difference because we had enough from negatives !!!)
Thanks Paulo :)

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huma arshad June 20, 2011 at 5:54 am

Dear Paulo,
The definition of being normal is to act according to the set rules layed out by the society , in other words we call them norms.
If you do not follow those norms you will be considered as an annormal person and most of us do not want this label to be tagged with us so we follow thses so called rules which gives you the certificate of being so normal .

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Hoshi is a star June 20, 2011 at 5:28 am

And how about 32a] Eating three times a day, even when you are hungry and want to eat more.

:D

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Cris June 20, 2011 at 5:26 am

it might be abnormal to ask… but can somebody tell me what its a dream?..how do you know your dream?

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Aracely June 20, 2011 at 5:17 am

Wow reading this just answer Sooo many questions about myself; I was really staring to think that there had to be something wrong with me. And the answers was so simple ” I’m not normal”.

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prabbit June 20, 2011 at 5:02 am

And being concerned with what other people do, or do not do.

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prabbit June 20, 2011 at 5:02 am

And being concerned with what other people do, or do not do.

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Jacqui June 20, 2011 at 4:55 am

Thank you so much for sharing this… It was exactly what I needed to read today.

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Tina Emek June 20, 2011 at 4:50 am

Paulo,

Thank you! Wonderful assessment of how society should reexamine their thought processes!! I gain so much from your writings, you are a joy!!

Tina

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hasana June 20, 2011 at 3:42 am

.. .after all we are human being and even though we know what are we doing,we pretend ourselves as if we are strong,right,superior and much.We are forced to blame other coz we are always right but we forget that we should learn from the mistake we did.Money matters coz it gives us all those happiness we think we could get though we know that’s not true….after all this is the life.

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coolguy1609 June 20, 2011 at 3:13 am

Another one for Javits… 13. Believing that number 13 is unlucky.

Lol

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Luisa rachel June 20, 2011 at 3:09 am

Ufa! Ainda existe gente esquisita! Gente que vive internamente , que tem conteúdo . Existe algo muito mais valioso que set normal

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christine June 20, 2011 at 3:05 am

I remember it was Javits. That wonderful list is so true it made me ponder on normality and if I should end up being normal.

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ashish rana June 20, 2011 at 3:02 am

M definitely not normal :D

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Muhammad Moiz June 20, 2011 at 2:55 am

we are so abnormal.

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Aline Mota June 20, 2011 at 2:41 am

Sou feliz em não ser uma pessoa totalmente “normal” para a sociedade!!

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Greg June 20, 2011 at 2:01 am

This is an enormous list, thanks Paul for sharing such a definition. I agree that we are all part of something much bigger, let’s all embrace our uniqueness and share it with the world with courage, integrity and passion. Then the new norm would not be so normal at all. :)

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Sandra June 20, 2011 at 1:58 am

I would add also, having to do things in the same way, at the same time, in the same order, all the time

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realjaded June 20, 2011 at 1:36 am

The first one written is for me, the very definition of NORMALITY. It’s a reality. A sad one. What makes it more sad is that, we are afraid of being ridiculed when we remain true to ourselves. We lose the essence of our being when we embrace normality.

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Deanne June 20, 2011 at 1:34 am

I wish I could get inside your head and hear the self talk and that inner dialogue of yours. I am 48 years old and still have not figured out my purpose but reading your work is so interesting to me how ones mind can steer them to their truth while others feel stuck.

I have two great passions my daughter and travel for the cultural aspects and meeting people from around the globe. Everyone says follow your passion and it will lead you to your truth. What can I do with travel to find my truth and make a living as I am jobless now.

I have been chosen as a volunteer at the world peace event in Washington DC with HH The Dalai Lama so I am praying being around that energy and like minded people will stir my soul.

I am in awe of the mind that can have the inner dialogue that leads the person to their passion and knowing and inner peace which you seem to have found. You are an inspiration with every new post and book.

What I wouldn’t give to sit and chat with you! By the way… It’s on my bucket list…LOL..I am dreaming big with my bucket list. I have The Dalai Lama on there too so I am checking that one off next month.

As always thank you for stirring my soul!

Many Blessings to you!
Deanne

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Heather Strang June 20, 2011 at 1:30 am

I believe this is also known as insanity – despite being the way many in the Western world (at least) behave.

Well done yet again Paulo!

With love,
xoHeather

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Paulo Coelho June 20, 2011 at 1:28 am

a] the “like” button at the left is not working, so if you like the post use the one at the bottom

b] as a reader correctly stated in one of the comments, the list above is compiled by Javits (a Hollywood producer) and not by Igor (the main character of the book).

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Rakhi June 20, 2011 at 4:32 am

Hi Sir,
Don’t know why but it amazed me n sort of made me feel equal to you after I read dis one sentence bout the ”Like” button at the top not wrking…..(THOUGH I THINK IT IS WRKING NOW)….N yes equal becoz….I FELT DAT EAGERNESS OF KNOWING HOW MANY OF YR FOLLOWERS R GOING TO ”LIKE” DIS POST BY YOU….When u already are aware how much people like me love you…..BUT SIR ITS SO HUMAN TO BE ANLE TO APPRECIATE APPRECIATION…..!!!
I am a Radio Presenter with ALL INDIA RADIO….N do live shows….its been almost 9 years but everytime a letter or an email or a msg comes saying dat smone appreciates my programmes it elates my heart in da very same manner as it did da first time…..(SO I BELIEVE THAT THE LAW OF DIMINISHING MARGINAL UTILITY DOES NOT APPLY TO CERTAIN THINGS AFTER ALL….!!!
Dont know whether u wd read this even or…..But IF YR REPLY COMES….NO MATTER HOW BRIEF….I WILL CONSIDER MYSELF VERY VERY FORTUNATE!!!!
N YESSSS….DA ”LIKE” BUTTON UP THERE WORKS…(I THINK)…
TAKE CARE
God Bless Us All..
Love
Rakhi

yomaz June 20, 2011 at 1:28 am

it’s so true ..:)

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Maria Nicolosi June 20, 2011 at 12:57 am

The list of these 47 rules is the way for living wrong, unhappy,slave of unnecessary formalities,it means to appear more than to be oneself,to fear to be sole human being,when it means simple,true,free,no a mass-produced,no a serial number,we must be ourselves when we live,wen we think,when we love,when we cry,when we enjoy,when we suffer,because when our life’ll finish, we’ll be alone before the death,before God,we’ll be what that we lived,none list’ll help us to make up for lost time,we have a one way to live without regret,to live following our secret dreams,following our heart,loving deeply our sons,our family,our friends,the whole world,because to live is the only one opportunity that we have to know,and to love the world ,the others,after there is nothing more,there is the deep night or the new live,but we could not meet no more the same persons, the same opportunities, the same loves,the same things that we met in the course of our life .Our life is unique as we are unique,for this reason we must not follow unnecessary list ,we must follow our heart’s truth,because it is better to mistake following our heart’ reasons than a unnecessary,abstract, stupid, rules of a list.Because we can be famous,rich, poor,stupid,failure,famous, rich, white, yellow, black, religious,atheist, woman,man,but we must love ourselves,we must believe our own human conscience.Our life merits more than we can think,because is one ,special gift that we have for living this extraordinary adventure,a wonderfull journey on the land and our body is a true space-shuttle ,and we must have many adventures,meet many persons,visit many places, make many works,for knowing this extraordinary world.

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thy Nguyen June 20, 2011 at 12:09 am

Thankyou!

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Ruth June 19, 2011 at 11:21 pm

btw- as a reflection on “sameness” and its darker side, read Lois Lowry’s “The Giver”

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Scar June 20, 2011 at 3:15 am

ahh the Giver, one of my all time favourite books :)

Ruth June 19, 2011 at 11:17 pm

Years ago as a science teacher and then later doing research and working in a medical field, I relied on normality. Normality is based on statistical theory and placing a bell-curve paradigm on grades or data. It is how our brain relates information and creates “sameness.” Yet it is those points that lie outside the bell-curve-the “unique”- that make life interesting.

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Gabriela Romaria June 19, 2011 at 11:14 pm

I like all of these! Thank you!

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Yapı Market June 19, 2011 at 10:04 pm

See now you changed my mind. I had a believe that all men have no attention to details at all ;-)

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Bita June 19, 2011 at 10:02 pm

Thanks Paulo, this is a great and comprehensive definition of normality. I can proudly claim that I am, in every aspect of the word, ABNORMAL.

A few other rules of normality that I have broken in my professional field (Medicine), for which I am now an outcast:

1. Expecting our successors going through the same challenges we have had.
2. Continuing something, “because that is how it has always been done”.
3. Resigning for “family reasons”. To say “I resign because of the problems I encountered” means a “career suicide”.
4. Remaining quiet when others with higher rank (or age, or position, or grant funding) are talking.
5. Considering the interns and residents guilty, even after proven otherwise.

Again… I am an anomaly and proud of it.

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Robin Fletcher June 20, 2011 at 4:00 am

Hi, I’m sure you are the happiest person from all those you mentioned above, because you haven’t sold your sol and you believe in what you are doing and have a passion, there is a lot of people like you around, more and more all we need is to speak up and don’t stop until change has finally come to our world and a better and more just life is left to our kids.
GOD BLESS YOU robin

Amber Todd June 19, 2011 at 9:48 pm

If only I were not a fictional character. I would say you were my soul-mate. You are beautiful every time I find you. God made you for all who wish to write. As if to say there is someone being true to them-self. Go and do that.

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