In 'Weird,' Olga Khazan explores the fascinating science behind what makes us quirky and unconventional. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and psychological research, she delves into the hidden advantages of embracing our oddities. This thought-provoking narrative challenges societal norms and celebrates the beauty of being different. Khazan's engaging writing invites readers to question their own perceptions of normality. Can being weird actually be the key to a richer, more fulfilling life?
By Olga Khazan
Published: 2020
""Embracing our oddities can uncover the extraordinary within the ordinary, revealing the vibrant tapestry of human experience that binds us all.""
In the tradition of Susan Cain's Quiet and Scott Stossel's My Age of Anxiety, Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan reclaims the concept of "weird" and turns it into a badge of honor rather than a slur, showing how being different -- culturally, socially, physically, or mentally -- can actually be a person's greatest strength. Most of us have at some point in our lives felt like an outsider, sometimes considering ourselves "too weird" to fit in. Growing up as a Russian immigrant in West Texas, Olga Khazan always felt there was something different about her. This feeling has permeated her life, and as she embarked on a science writing career, she realized there were psychological connections between this feeling of being an outsider and both her struggles and successes later in life. She decided to reach out to other people who were unique in their environments to see if they had experienced similar feelings of alienation, and if so, to learn how they overcame them. Weird is based on in-person interviews with many of these individuals, such as a woman who is professionally surrounded by men, a liberal in a conservative area, and a Muslim in a predominantly Christian town. In addition, it provides actionable insights based on interviews with dozens of experts and a review of hundreds of scientific studies. Weird explores why it is that we crave conformity, how that affects people who are different, and what they can do about it. First, the book dives into the history of social norms and why some people hew to them more strictly than others. Next, Khazan explores the causes behind-and the consequences of-social rejection. She then reveals the hidden upsides to being "weird," as well as the strategies that people who are different might use in order to achieve success in a society that values normalcy. Finally, the book follows the trajectories of unique individuals who either decided to be among others just like them; to stay weird; or to dwell somewhere in between. Combining Khazan's own story with those of others and with fascinating takeaways from cutting-edge psychology research, Weird reveals how successful individuals learned to embrace their weirdness, using it to their advantage.
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“"Embracing our oddities can uncover the extraordinary within the ordinary, revealing the vibrant tapestry of human experience that binds us all."”
Weird
By Olga Khazan
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Olga Khazan is a prominent journalist and author, known for her insightful work in the realms of health, science, and social issues. As a staff writer at The Atlantic, she has contributed extensively to the discourse on mental health, gender, and the intricacies of human behavior. Her notable works include 'We Don’t Need to Talk About It: The Messy Truth About Mental Health,' where she explores the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Khazan's writing style is characterized by its clarity, empathy, and a deep understanding of complex subjects, making her a respected voice in contemporary journalism.
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