zaro

Why does Jonas refrain from praising Benjamin's accomplishments despite his admiration?

Published in Societal Conformity 2 mins read

Jonas refrains from openly praising Benjamin's impressive achievements primarily because doing so would underscore Benjamin's unique talents, thereby distinguishing him from others in their highly regulated community. This action aligns with the fundamental principles of the society, which prioritizes uniformity over individuality.

The Community's Emphasis on Sameness

In Jonas's community, the overarching value is "Sameness." This societal structure is meticulously designed to eliminate differences, competition, and any form of individual distinction that might lead to discomfort, envy, or imbalance. This philosophy deeply influences all interactions and behaviors, including how accomplishments are acknowledged.

Discouraging Individuality

The community actively discourages any public display or recognition that highlights a person's unique abilities or achievements, even if those abilities are beneficial. The core reasons for this approach include:

  • Promoting Equality: Ensuring that every member feels equal and integrated, preventing anyone from being perceived as superior or inferior.
  • Preventing Envy and Jealousy: By not singling out individuals for praise, the community avoids fostering negative emotions like envy or competition among its members.
  • Maintaining Social Cohesion: A unified, undifferentiated populace is easier to manage and control, reinforcing the collective identity over personal aspirations.

Benjamin's Exceptional Abilities

Benjamin is depicted as a groupmate at the Rehabilitation Center with exceptional aptitudes, particularly in engineering and inventiveness. These unique talents, while privately admired by Jonas, cannot be openly acknowledged. Public praise for Benjamin's unique skills would directly contradict the community's foundational belief in sameness and its meticulous efforts to suppress individual differences.

The Impact of Praise in Their Society

In Jonas's world, public praise for individual accomplishments carries significant implications that go against the established social order.

Undermining Uniformity

Publicly praising Benjamin's unique talents would not only draw attention to him but also challenge the very fabric of their society. The consequences of such an act could be perceived as:

  • Creating Divisions: Highlighting one individual's superiority could foster resentment or feelings of inadequacy among others, disrupting the carefully maintained harmony.
  • Encouraging Difference: It could inadvertently encourage other individuals to strive for uniqueness, which is antithetical to the community's goal of collective uniformity.
  • Social Discomfort: Benjamin himself might experience discomfort from being singled out, as his conditioning would have taught him to blend in rather than stand out.

Therefore, Jonas's restraint, despite his personal admiration, is a direct reflection of the deeply ingrained societal norms that govern all interactions and ensure the perpetuation of sameness.