Let’s Not Put Ourselves Into a Box

From the moment we begin to understand the world, society nudges us toward specialization. Schools, colleges, and the academic framework condition us to choose a path early on, asking, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As if one definitive answer could sum up an entire life’s potential.

By the time we’re adults, the question evolves into: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” A seemingly harmless question but one that subtly insists we fit neatly into a box—defined, categorized, and labeled. It feels like every system is designed to narrow us down, to make us fit a predetermined mold. But here’s the thing:

I don’t want to be defined by the world.

The Rebel in a World of Specialists

Why should I settle for being one thing? Why can’t I dabble in a hundred different interests, exploring the vastness of what life has to offer? In a world obsessed with hyper-specialization, I want to be a generalist—a rebel against the tide of conformity.

Imagine a world where Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential generalist, confined himself to painting alone. We would have lost his contributions to anatomy, engineering, and countless other fields. Specialization has its place, yes, but so does curiosity—the kind that spills over into different disciplines, connecting dots others don’t even see.

The truth is, the world doesn’t want you to be undefined because being undefined is unpredictable. It doesn’t fit the structure, the system, or the metrics. Yet, that undefined space is where creativity thrives.

Why Break Free?

Being a generalist allows us to break the boundaries of conventional thinking. When you choose to explore many fields, you gain perspectives that specialists might never see. You start drawing parallels between design and filmmaking, between physics and philosophy. This cross-pollination of ideas creates innovation.

Think of Steve Jobs, who combined his love for calligraphy with his understanding of technology to revolutionize design in computing. Or filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, whose love for monsters drew inspiration from mythology, literature, and art. Greatness often lies in the intersections.

The Courage to Stay Undefined

Daring to be a generalist is not easy. The world will challenge you. It will question your choices and label your path as unfocused. But why should you care? Being undefined doesn’t mean you lack direction—it means you embrace the freedom to explore, learn, and grow.

Let’s redefine what we're meant to be, not as climbing a single ladder, but as exploring a jungle gym. Let’s celebrate curiosity, the thrill of the unknown, and the refusal to be boxed into one label.

So, break free. Dare to rebel against a world that insists on putting you in a box.

In the words of Walt Whitman:
“Do I contradict myself?
Very well then, I contradict myself,
(I am large, I contain multitudes.)”

Let’s embrace our multitudes. Let’s refuse the box. Let’s dare to be free.