Chapter 1: The Myth of Being "Built Different"

You've likely encountered statements like these before:

"I can eat whatever I want without gaining weight; I've always looked fit."

"I never get sick. You could cough in my face all day, and I’d be fine."

"My grandma smoked her entire life and never got cancer; I’ll be fine too."

Or, "I only need four or five hours of sleep each night, and I function perfectly."

These are often followed by the phrase, "I guess I'm just built different."

While they may not always use that exact phrase, we’ve all met individuals who express such sentiments. They often sound as outlandish as Dwight Schrute, and truthfully, few people take them seriously. You might be questioning if you’ve ever made similar claims. As a reckless twenty-something (now a slightly wiser thirty-six), I remember boasting about my lean body and minimal sleep needs—only to realize I came off as naïve and was likely the subject of quiet laughter.

The focus of today's meditation is clear:

You are not exceptional.

You are not "magical."

You are similar to everyone else, with only minor variations in your biological requirements.

In most aspects of life, the majority of us fall within a typical range. For instance, when it comes to sleep, approximately 95% of people need around seven to eight hours each night. A mere 2% can thrive on less than seven hours for extended periods, while another 2% may require more than eight hours. Ultimately, we all reside comfortably within the average—and that is perfectly acceptable!

Even if you consider yourself "built different" in some way, adopting a mindset of "I’m no better than anyone else" is far more beneficial. It encourages constructive interactions, fostering a willingness to learn from others, as everyone has something to teach us.

In conclusion, let’s embrace humility and acknowledge our (entirely normal) average capabilities.

Hit the ✉️Email Subscribe✉️ button to receive these insights daily!

Follow for daily philosophical meditations.

These reflections are excerpts from my upcoming book "YouDaimonia: the Philosophy of Human Flourishing."

Chapter 2: The Reality of Sleep Needs

This first video humorously addresses the notion of individuals claiming to be "built different" when, in reality, they are quite ordinary. It offers a satirical look at how we perceive ourselves versus how we truly are.

Chapter 3: Accepting Our Common Humanity

The second video delves into the theme of embracing our shared human experiences, emphasizing that we are all fundamentally alike, regardless of our individual claims of uniqueness. It serves as a reminder of our collective journey in understanding ourselves and each other.