Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page James Frank Dobie Quote “Conform and be dull.” ~ James Frank Dobie (1888-1964) Teacher, storyteller, folklorist, historian Authority , Communism , Democracy , Humor , Independence , Individualism , Proverbs , Socialism , Totalitarian Ratings and Comments Reply alice 10/1/06 Reply David L Rosenthal 10/3/06 It is possible to conform and not be dull. Conform to what? There is a wide variety of situations and environments, so that it is very possible to conform and be wild, depending upon where one happens to be spending his time. And conformity to reasonable standards does not mean to become a mindless robot. Of course, some are compelled not to conform out of a perverse need to rebel. Reply Anonymous, Reston, VA US 10/3/06 Reply Liz, Atlanta 10/3/06 Conformity IS dull - as is David's response Reply Robert, Sarasota 10/3/06 As a rhetorical statement it has value, it means no more no less - though in my opinion it means if you conform along with the mass and popular opinion, when it is not your true nature. We all conform on a daily basis to things we would otherwise do differently - it's a matter of degree and integrity. Peer pressure and employment are both examples conforming against ones will - pear pressure to be popular or part of the gang and employment to keep your job - when you have mouths to feed you are under pressure to conform. Though I believe James Dobie is referring more to the ignoble in us. Reply E Archer, NYC 10/3/06 ... and one step closer to being a slave. Reply Joe, Rochester, MI 10/3/06 Conform to whatever our government suggests, without any proof it is effective. Ex: Submit to being searched at the airport, though no terrorists have been caught (though they may have found some weed and dangerous tweezers). Ex: Tap your phone or search your home without a warrant, though the 4th Amendment prohibits it. Ex: Pay taxes, though not even the IRS can cite the code making you liable to pay. To open his eyes, Rosenthal (and Reston) would need to admit he is sleeping while our government is doing the unconstitutional and destroying the country. Being a liberal-socialist, Rosenthal can't help but play dumb and ask "What country?" Answer: The United States. Reply David L Rosenthal 10/3/06 What has any of this to do with the quote, Joe? And on what do you base your assessment that I am a socialist? Are you mad? Reply Robert, Sarasota 10/3/06 We may not agree with each others comments but let's not get name-calling let's respect each others right to freedom of expression. Reply David L Rosenthal 10/3/06 Some people are obnoxious for its own sake, which neither contributes anything to the discusiion nor should be permitted. My comments have been edited out for far less venom than that used here by Joe. I would like to know why my comments are edited out, but those of others left, when their malicious intent and antisocial nature is plain to see. Reply Joe, Rochester, MI 10/4/06 You asked, "Conform to what?" I gave examples how our government expects you to conform without question. Assessing you are a socialist (and liberal) is based on your remarks to this and previous quotes. Ex: You think anyone is entitled to welfare and expect everyone else to pay for it. That's socialism! No one is "entitled" to welfare, yet our liberal-socialist government pays anyway. Am I mad, as in crazy? No. You mean angry with the abuses of our government (i.e. the Patriot Act, taxes, illegal phone tapping and surveillance, war on drugs, war in Iraq, etc.)? Definitely. Are you NOT outraged? Reply Editor, Liberty Quotes 10/4/06 Nice debate. May we suggest, however, attacking the argument instead of the person. Thank you. Reply Anonymous 3/11/09 I think it's more important to express yourself than it is to "conform and be dull," even if society expects conformity. If, however, a person's individual beliefs coincide with the rest of society's, than by all means conform. Also, Joe, I don't think anyone likes the Patriot Act. SaveOk2 SaveOk2 View CommentsClick to view or comment. Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print This James Frank Dobie quote is found in these categories: Authority quotes Communism quotes Democracy quotes Humor quotes Independence quotes Individualism quotes Proverbs quotes Socialism quotes Totalitarian quotes About James Frank Dobie Bio of James Frank Dobie Quotations by James Frank Dobie Books by/about James Frank Dobie James Frank Dobie videos James Frank Dobie on Wikipedia Astrological chart for James Frank Dobie