The Composite Human

Unconscious mimicry. Catchphrases. Gestures. Old habits. Thought loops. Lack of self-awareness. How can we possibly say or do anything new with these forces working against us, humanity? It’s hard enough negotiating freedom with our subconscious through therapy and escaping capitalism’s maze of choice architecture. How do we save ourselves from being just another cliche? From being just another “How’s it goin’?” “Good how are you?”

Somehow, chaos saves us. Despite our already jumbled up system, our knotted brain, we act the same way in familiar situations, but we become clueless in new situations. We become forced to be creative instead of taking the automatic route.

When I’m writing, I get to a place of newness by rearranging old elements to create a totally different sound or meaning. Cleverly worded phrases, whether made by me or by someone else, make me think harder about a scene instead of taking the gist of it and going on with my day.

Novel experiences also bring me freedom: the first time I went ziplining; getting lost in the woods; turning down a street I’ve never been on before.

To say or do anything new, to expand your identity or change yourself, expose yourself to new things. Set a goal to do something you wouldn’t otherwise do, and everything else will fall into place.