Knowledge is power. Data is the new oil. Or so we're told. But there’s a crucial point that often gets lost in our zeal for information: it’s not the amount or quality of your insights that matters most. It’s whether other people have them too.

There's no advantage in common knowledge, only disadvantage to not having it. And by extension there's no advantage in following the consensus. You can’t outperform others by believing and doing exactly the same things as them, regardless of the field you’re in.

The only way to outperform the majority is to be wilfully contrarian, to actively cultivate idiosyncrasies, and consciously adopt oblique perspectives.

The goal should always be to see what others can’t, try what others won’t and question what others daren’t. As Schopenhauer remarked, “Talent hits a target nobody else can hit; genius hits a target nobody else can see.”

As such, if everyone agrees with you, your idea is probably obvious and unlikely to add much value. And If the mainstream think you’re nuts be encouraged — it’s a sign that you’re thinking for yourself.

Finally, do not be afraid to look silly or weird. Instead, take this wonderful observation from Albert Camus to heart:

“All great deeds and all great thoughts,” he wrote, “have ridiculous beginnings.”

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