“Being Weird Is a Wonderful Thing”: Inspiration for Living Your Truest Self

In Being Weird is a Wonderful Thing, Kathryn and Ross Petras assembled a thoughtful but wild collection of quotes from writers, philosophers, artists, poets, creatives, scholars, and influencers touting the value of celebrating one’s own uniqueness and idiosyncrasies. Contained in this compact book are affirmations about embracing the “inner oddball,” the idiosyncratic self that yearns to be free of judgment from the outside world.

In an age of constant social comparison, when the need to conform to be just like the others is so strong, it’s not surprising that this book is needed at all. The themes of standing out, non-conformity, authenticity, and self-censure are prominent in the quotations. People from diverse racial, ethnic, and gender identities may feel the need to assimilate to be accepted, and it’s helpful to heed advice from queer and/or icons of color like Laverne Cox, Audre Lorde, Megan Rapinoe, and Margaret Cho.

Those looking for deeper meanings behind the collection of witty quips may ponder why similar sentiments about differences are shared by people across timeIf you relish your unique approach to life, buy this book for yourself or for that friend who needs a cheerful reminder about valuing their gifts. As Mae Jamison points out: “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”