Implications About Being a Nerd

While Preston was playing XBox Live, he made the comment "I'm a nerd." I've thought about that statement briefly and have come up with a few thoughts.

Obviously, nerds are very peculiar. They are different from everyone else. They have a few things that set them apart from the rest of the crowd; be it a certain interest, appearance...or odor.... But whatever the case may be, they're different. They somewhat go by the beat of their own drum.

Another observation I've made is that they are outcasts. They are often shunned from the "in-crowd" and labeled as pariahs. No one dares to be seen with them lest they be associated with them.

But I find a redeeming quality in all nerds. They, without any disputation, are passionate about their novelty/hobby. Whether the activity is video games, board games, reading, or anything is not what I admire. It's the passion they have that is so admirable. They put their heart into what they like. They're not mere participants but zealots. They throw themselves in it.

Look at the cool crowd. Notice the overall attitudes: indifferent, complacent, and lazy. The only thing they that takes effort with them is the maintenance of their "cool" status. Even that doesn't take much effort. All it takes is a "jellyfish" mentality; just going with the wave. Nothing's unique about going along with everyone else.

Are you a person of passion? Is there anything that you throw yourself into? Are you complacent, lack passion?

Are you a cool person or are you a nerd?