Don't stick it to the Man.

Call me materialistic, but I always go bonkers over a cellphone with a camera which can play MP3 ringtones, in addition to all the other bells and whistles and doohickeys around. In terms of the MP3 ringtones, it's the only way to show the world that I'm tasteful. In terms of the doohickeys, it's the only way to show the world that I'm a man of the moment.

Sadly, it's the moment before it all becomes out of fashion again. And then we ride the carousel, going bonkers over the new bells, whistles and doohickeys. It's a vicious cycle.

And, once again, although we try our best to be individualistic and unique, we want to be like everyone else. All we want to do is to be accepted by the herd; we rarely get the chance to be the leader of the pack.

People who renounce the hive mind have got the right idea, but they'll never win.

Be superficial.

Because, in a sad way, you're bound to love yourself more because of it.