If you’re only around people who say what you expect them to say, get around different people. If you always say what others expect you to say, get around different ideas.

It’s great to be dependable, and great to deal with others who are dependable. Being predictable is a whole other matter.

If you already know what someone else is going to say, there’s no point in having that conversation. If you merely repeat what you always repeat, why would anyone listen to you?

Life is about more than just being spoon fed with validation. Life is best lived as a unique, surprising, original individual.

Go where you will be surprised and challenged, where you can add new substance to your perspective. When you get there, offer some unexpected insights of your own.

Sharpen your ability for novel, original thoughts, and then put that ability to good use. Be surprised, and be surprising.

— Ralph Marston