May 30, 2013
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
The use of this quote has always bothered me. In my eyes, it's a statement of wry resignation by the brilliant Oscar Wilde-- yes, it has a ring of truth, but it's a hollow ring. Not a celebratory statement, if you catch my drift.
So, when I see this caption under bright, oversized yearbook portraits, I have to wonder if the senior who chose this quote has dug deep to find the meaning in these words. Or maybe she has simply skimmed over the words, much as the yearbook crew has glossed her photo, and decided that this quote from a dead guy with a recognizable name is just as fitting as any Shel Silverstein, Dr. Seuss, or Samuel Clemens "inspirational quote."