Again, my sincerest of apologies for the decline in content on this site of late. Tour de France at 8am with a friend visiting from Denmark and a new job leaves very little time for frivolous writing. Nonetheless, there's something I wanted to share with you today.
When faced with dissenting opinions from friends or peers, remember that periphery contributions mean far less than your own personal goals.
This week, when faced with a situation where judgement was cast; I recalled the famed English haberdasher John Hetherington.
On a cold January day in 1797, Hetherington walked out the doors of his studio and onto the London streets much to the surprise of passersby. Perched on his head was a top hat, constructed from the textiles used in umbrella production. Just 60 years later, the initial fears that surrounded the hat had been conquered and the top hat had become a universally acceptable and omnipresent fashion choice for people from all castes. That day, it cause a minor riot according to the story. Women screamed, crowds amassed in disgust and a small boy broke his arm after being trampled by a mass of people.
The depiction was featured in several English papers before spreading continental for publication in other publications and periodicals. Despite being challenged by many, including the wikipedia page, which challenges the verity of the story, a lesson can be learned by Hetherington's courageous decision. What was just his idea of fashion and practicality was interpreted as a statement on the conditions of menswear; where in reality it was anything but.
Hetherington was arrested shortly thereafter and charged before facing the courts to explain his audacious invention.
Worry not what others will think of your decisions. If your reasoning determines the action to be beneficial without infringing on the rights of others, then follow your instincts with nary a consideration for the opinions of others.
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