How to Be Contrarian
Contrarianism is misunderstood. It's not merely about being argumentative; it's about broaching the unexpected and interrupting consensus with potential greatness. Being contrarian means seeking truth with unyielding passion. The contrarian is a lifeboat of innovation, rescuing ideas from the undertow of the status quo.
The New York Philharmonic's 71st season at Carnegie Hall was highlighted by piano prodigy Glenn Gould's eccentric performance of Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1. What made it even more spectacular was the fact that he was led by the legendary maestro Leonard Bernstein. Many consider Gould’s style as too unorthodox, like how he would change the tempo in parts of the well-known Brahms concerto. Gould’s style is divisive and draws either love or hate — nothing in between.
“In a concerto, who is the boss; the soloist or the conductor? The answer is, of course, sometimes one, sometimes the other, depending on the people involved,” Bernstein remarked at the podium before the concert. After highlighting this power struggle, he explained why it was such a special opportunity to work with Glenn Gould: “There are moments in Mr. Gould's performance that emerge with astonishing freshness and conviction…. We can all learn something from this extraordinary artist.” While it was not easy yielding to Gould's radical style, Bernstein saw the virtue in his contrarian spirit: “It is in this spirit of adventure that we now present [the Brahms concerto] to you.” This historic concert combined Bernstein’s conventional excellence with Gould’s daring innovations. The result is something distinct and memorable.
While the masses nod in agreement, the contrarian stands firm, sometimes isolated but never swayed by the waves of popular opinion. Contrarianism is a commitment to adventure and discovery, rather than a stubborn defiance of the norms.
Thus, the true value of contrarianism lies not in controversy, but in the potential to unearth hidden insights that could elevate others’ experiences and understanding. Contrarianism is necessary for rigorous debate and the pursuit of wisdom. Celebrate it as an expression of curiosity.
