This question may well be asked in view of the advice given by Willa Sibert Cather, distinguished Nebraska author, in her lecture here. Her observing eyes have seen the smaller cities aping the greater. And she pleads for development of individuality. Imitations are never the original. And counterfeits are an abomination.
Intelligence seeks the cause and tries to discover principles.
Where there is complete agreement between an individual's standards and those of his community, it is proper for him to conform. But he cannot agree with custom that is opposed to his essential idea of what is right without becoming an improper person. The proper person seeks full expression of the essential qualities of his being. If a community or even the world does not give him room, he is apt to be called an improper person. But so long as he remains sincere and devoted to the standard of what he considers correct, he is proper to himself even if he is not to the community standard.