Michael. This was BEEEYOUTIFUL. I cried at the end, it was so touching.
It is such an important universal message. I feel we have all tried to shrink ourselves in some way at different points in time to make our lives feel easier/safer. It just ends up breaking our hearts and covering the best parts of ourselves. Indeed, it also ends up dividing us when all we want to do is truly belong to ourselves and one another.
Life can feel uncertain, chaotic, and unsafe...to be fully ourselves in all our glory is such a brave act and one that I have always deeply admired. A beautiful reminder for myself and for all others reading this gorgeous piece. Truly superb. Thank you.
PUGGLE!!! The way you used the platypus in this. AH!!! This is my favorite piece of yours thus far.
(I remember this commercial that came on in the states when I was a tiny human. It was for these cards of different animals, and they would always showcase the platypus. That is how I learned of its existence and I was stunned it was real)
Here are some of my favorite bits:
"Our insistence on dividing everything up into ‘understandable’ categories has made us uncomfortable with nuance and scared of what we do not understand. And this causes us to persecute and attack those who are different from us, those who we cannot easily put into boxes, and those who challenge our categorisation of the world."
"When we let categorical thinking lead us into the trap of seeing people only in terms of the categories they fall into or the labels we’ve placed on them – whether that’s: college graduate, construction worker, unemployed slacker, philosophy nerd, addict, skateboarder, writer, etc – we forget to see the person as a whole. We forget that people are constantly growing and changing. We forget how infinitely complex, nuanced, and unique we all are. We forget that people can be so many different things all at once. And we forget that when we put someone in a box and then think we ‘understand’ them, we’re reducing that person down to a low-resolution version of all they are and all they could be."
Wow! Thank you so much Jenovia your comment seriously just made my day. And I’m pretty confident in saying that may be the nicest comment I’ve ever received.
I’m so glad you enjoyed my piece, I’m so grateful that you took the time to write such a thoughtful comment, and I really appreciate that you restacked it and shared it around - THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I’m also really happy to hear you liked the way I used the platypus - I was worried it might come off a bit confusing or weird or something, so I’m actually really happy to hear it worked, especially when it’s coming from someone who’s writing I admire.
And yes, being unapologetically ourselves in a world that wants to box us in seems to be a constant struggle - that’s why I’m thankful to draw strength from the platypus’s example.
And as you said, it’s also why I admire people who are brave enough to be themselves in all their weird glory.
There are so many things to applaud in this essay it is hard to know where to begin. First up is the clarity this piece provides as to why your newsletter bears its awesome name - because it's unique and cannot be categorized and so are you! Brilliant.
I love hearing from the Platypus, that you asked for its opinion. I'd enjoy hearing from the Platypus in future articles as it offers a unique perspective that is effective in getting the reader's attention.
Lastly is the content of your writing. It is a timely message that needs to be sung from the rooftops. We all need caution in our categorization and I appreciate you calling us on the tendency to run in auto-pilot. We can do better. Thank you for the reminder.
These words simply don't suffice to say what a damn good piece of writing this is Michael, you rocked it!I!!!
I am so happy you liked this piece, I am so thankful that you took the time to write such a lovely comment, and I really appreciate that you restacked and shouted me out.
I’m also so thrilled that you made the connection as to why my newsletter has its name.
And thank you for letting me know you liked hearing from the platypus - I was worried it might come off a bit confusing or something and so I’m really glad to hear you think it worked. If I feel I can make it work (and if the platypus pipes up) I’ll consider including him in some of my future pieces.
Thanks again for all the support Donna, I really appreciate it.
I love this SO much. There are such good lessons here, and offered in such a perfect way. Can we please call those Platypus babies Puggles?! I will be looking for books about Platypi to share with my son, I think he would dig it. This unique animal has so much to teach us about our lives and how we interact with and value each other (and ourselves). Thanks so much for sharing the Platypus' wisdom, I have saved this to read it again and again when I need these reminders.
And I’m so glad you got a kick out of the platypus.
Hahaha yes, as far as I’m concerned (and I asked the platypus just to be sure) puggle works good and so does platypi.
And as far as books go, I know that ‘The Shy Platypus’ was a decently well-known book (at least here in Australia) so maybe you could find a copy of that online... it has quite a few illustrations in it as well.
Thanks again Robin, I really appreciate the support :)
Michael! What a fantastic essay! It’s a great reminder to not let labels/ categories restrict us or others. That we may mold ourselves to fit into some category is truly something to be mindful about, and you have expressed it so well!
Michael, if I could marry an essay... This is gorgeous, and you (and the Platypus) are speaking to such important points, how inhibitory categorisation can actually be, how labelling and putting into boxes causes only 'low-res' (that was genius btw) images of reality to become available, and how this is a thing that we can become prone to doing to ourselves! Such important points, broken down so accessibly, and through no greater teacher than the Duck-Mole Paradoxus him/herself! Bravo, my friend 👏
Thank you, Chloe, for such kind words, it really means a lot.
I’m so glad you liked it and that the message I was putting across landed.
And yes, I think the issue of categorisation is a nuanced one in that because there are obvious advantages to categorising things it can be hard to notice the dangers it also presents. And so, I’m really happy to hear, especially coming from a writer I respect, that the points were accessible.
Instant subscribe after reading this. The platypus was a breath of fresh air when compared to other essays that attempt to dissect psychological principles. This essay inspires me to step up my game when writing about similar topics!
I really appreciate you reading, commenting, and subscribing.
And I’m really glad you enjoyed the way I presented the piece. I was concerned that such a topic could be kind of dense and bland, and so somehow, I got lucky enough to get a helping hand (flipper) from the Platypus.
Way Cool ME/CP - any warm bodied mammal that sleeps 14 hours a day is OK by me - Bravo to all the 'misfits' - without the 'rebels' we would all be barracking for Collingwood?
Well it seems now very clear that my spirit animal is a platypus, I'd been wondering but didn't want to force the issue. 😁 Wonderful post, Michael, and I will echo others' saying it was nice to hear from The Platypus themself. Categories: yes, yes! Us v. Them seems like the root of so many problems, I'm trying so hard lately to take a deep breath and say "We" and mean it.
Thanks Troy, I’m so glad you liked the piece. And I’m very happy to hear you vibed with the platypus - as you may have noticed I am somewhat partial to the platypus as well ;)
Yes, the Us v. Them thing seems to bleed into so many domains and cause so much division - which is a shame because, as you so rightly pointed out, from within the boundaries of a different category “we” are all just humans trying to make it through.
Thanks again Troy, as always I really appreciate your support - and by the way I just saw you posted a new piece, which I’m looking forward to read :)
An animal that sleeps 14 hours per day! It is only one hour less than my spirit animal the sloth so here there is a lot of commonality! I feel your writing so keenly on this. Categories are needed, but these days I am getting to the point where I dont even want to be categorised as "human", if you need to define and label me then call me an energy field instead
But I do wonder though, are you not missing an adjective on describing yourself? Are you not indeed also the "Librarian-Custodian of the largest Platypus book collection in the Southern Hemisphere" :)
Simon, my friend, you never fail to make me laugh! That comment about me being the “Librarian-Custodian of the largest collection of platypus books...” (although true) had me in absolute hysterics.
Thank you for commenting, I’m glad you enjoyed the piece and that your down with the platypus’s sleep schedule.
And I can vibe with ‘energy field’ - but I would at least add the adjective “side-splitting funny” to that label.
I feel like liking this essay is not enough. I want to make sure you see me over here in the corner utterly gobsmacked at the level of your writing and the way you put a piece together. The way you invite me to think of myself and the world in a better way. I wish I was more articulate, but like I said, gobsmacked.
You bring tears to my eyes--literally! I'm overcoming some seriously crushing self-criticism to be here writing on Substack. Actually, I found your point about eschewing labels to be quite liberating for just that reason. Thank you for stopping by to read, comment, and subscribe. Like you said, I really appreciate it. Truly!
Thank you Eric, I appreciate you saying that. It really means a lot, especially, when it’s coming from a fellow writer who’s work I admire.
Thanks again :)
Michael. This was BEEEYOUTIFUL. I cried at the end, it was so touching.
It is such an important universal message. I feel we have all tried to shrink ourselves in some way at different points in time to make our lives feel easier/safer. It just ends up breaking our hearts and covering the best parts of ourselves. Indeed, it also ends up dividing us when all we want to do is truly belong to ourselves and one another.
Life can feel uncertain, chaotic, and unsafe...to be fully ourselves in all our glory is such a brave act and one that I have always deeply admired. A beautiful reminder for myself and for all others reading this gorgeous piece. Truly superb. Thank you.
PUGGLE!!! The way you used the platypus in this. AH!!! This is my favorite piece of yours thus far.
(I remember this commercial that came on in the states when I was a tiny human. It was for these cards of different animals, and they would always showcase the platypus. That is how I learned of its existence and I was stunned it was real)
Here are some of my favorite bits:
"Our insistence on dividing everything up into ‘understandable’ categories has made us uncomfortable with nuance and scared of what we do not understand. And this causes us to persecute and attack those who are different from us, those who we cannot easily put into boxes, and those who challenge our categorisation of the world."
"When we let categorical thinking lead us into the trap of seeing people only in terms of the categories they fall into or the labels we’ve placed on them – whether that’s: college graduate, construction worker, unemployed slacker, philosophy nerd, addict, skateboarder, writer, etc – we forget to see the person as a whole. We forget that people are constantly growing and changing. We forget how infinitely complex, nuanced, and unique we all are. We forget that people can be so many different things all at once. And we forget that when we put someone in a box and then think we ‘understand’ them, we’re reducing that person down to a low-resolution version of all they are and all they could be."
-Every word that the Platypus said.
-AND THE LAST TWO PARAGRAPHS.
BRA-FUVKING-VO!!!!!
Wow! Thank you so much Jenovia your comment seriously just made my day. And I’m pretty confident in saying that may be the nicest comment I’ve ever received.
I’m so glad you enjoyed my piece, I’m so grateful that you took the time to write such a thoughtful comment, and I really appreciate that you restacked it and shared it around - THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I’m also really happy to hear you liked the way I used the platypus - I was worried it might come off a bit confusing or weird or something, so I’m actually really happy to hear it worked, especially when it’s coming from someone who’s writing I admire.
And yes, being unapologetically ourselves in a world that wants to box us in seems to be a constant struggle - that’s why I’m thankful to draw strength from the platypus’s example.
And as you said, it’s also why I admire people who are brave enough to be themselves in all their weird glory.
It is my pleasure, Michael and the sentiment is mutual. I love the choices you make with your writing.
Adding the Platypus was wildly clever, hilarious, and endearing. I am SO glad you stuck with your instincts.
Thank you, Jenovia.
Seriously - THANK YOU.
There are so many things to applaud in this essay it is hard to know where to begin. First up is the clarity this piece provides as to why your newsletter bears its awesome name - because it's unique and cannot be categorized and so are you! Brilliant.
I love hearing from the Platypus, that you asked for its opinion. I'd enjoy hearing from the Platypus in future articles as it offers a unique perspective that is effective in getting the reader's attention.
Lastly is the content of your writing. It is a timely message that needs to be sung from the rooftops. We all need caution in our categorization and I appreciate you calling us on the tendency to run in auto-pilot. We can do better. Thank you for the reminder.
These words simply don't suffice to say what a damn good piece of writing this is Michael, you rocked it!I!!!
I second hearing from the Platypus more!
Thank you so much Donna.
I am so happy you liked this piece, I am so thankful that you took the time to write such a lovely comment, and I really appreciate that you restacked and shouted me out.
I’m also so thrilled that you made the connection as to why my newsletter has its name.
And thank you for letting me know you liked hearing from the platypus - I was worried it might come off a bit confusing or something and so I’m really glad to hear you think it worked. If I feel I can make it work (and if the platypus pipes up) I’ll consider including him in some of my future pieces.
Thanks again for all the support Donna, I really appreciate it.
I love this SO much. There are such good lessons here, and offered in such a perfect way. Can we please call those Platypus babies Puggles?! I will be looking for books about Platypi to share with my son, I think he would dig it. This unique animal has so much to teach us about our lives and how we interact with and value each other (and ourselves). Thanks so much for sharing the Platypus' wisdom, I have saved this to read it again and again when I need these reminders.
Thank you, Robin!
I’m so happy to hear you liked it.
And I’m so glad you got a kick out of the platypus.
Hahaha yes, as far as I’m concerned (and I asked the platypus just to be sure) puggle works good and so does platypi.
And as far as books go, I know that ‘The Shy Platypus’ was a decently well-known book (at least here in Australia) so maybe you could find a copy of that online... it has quite a few illustrations in it as well.
Thanks again Robin, I really appreciate the support :)
Very thorough, very cool.
Thanks Mike, I’m glad you enjoyed it. And I really appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Michael! What a fantastic essay! It’s a great reminder to not let labels/ categories restrict us or others. That we may mold ourselves to fit into some category is truly something to be mindful about, and you have expressed it so well!
Thank you Priya, I’m so glad you liked it. And I’m so happy to hear you appreciated the point I was getting at.
And thanks so much for taking the time to read, comment on, and restack this piece - I really appreciate it.
Michael, if I could marry an essay... This is gorgeous, and you (and the Platypus) are speaking to such important points, how inhibitory categorisation can actually be, how labelling and putting into boxes causes only 'low-res' (that was genius btw) images of reality to become available, and how this is a thing that we can become prone to doing to ourselves! Such important points, broken down so accessibly, and through no greater teacher than the Duck-Mole Paradoxus him/herself! Bravo, my friend 👏
Also, platypup!! 🥹
Thank you, Chloe, for such kind words, it really means a lot.
I’m so glad you liked it and that the message I was putting across landed.
And yes, I think the issue of categorisation is a nuanced one in that because there are obvious advantages to categorising things it can be hard to notice the dangers it also presents. And so, I’m really happy to hear, especially coming from a writer I respect, that the points were accessible.
I have The Platypus to thank for that :)
Thanks again Chloe.
https://www.reddit.com/r/quotes/comments/211lvi/were_sick_and_tired_of_your_ismschism_gamebob/
Bob Marley
Genius
Thanks Anthony, I was unaware of this article/thread - how interesting.
Thanks for sharing.
Instant subscribe after reading this. The platypus was a breath of fresh air when compared to other essays that attempt to dissect psychological principles. This essay inspires me to step up my game when writing about similar topics!
Wow, thanks, Victor!
I really appreciate you reading, commenting, and subscribing.
And I’m really glad you enjoyed the way I presented the piece. I was concerned that such a topic could be kind of dense and bland, and so somehow, I got lucky enough to get a helping hand (flipper) from the Platypus.
Thanks again Victor.
Thank you. Thank you thank you for the message and such an engaging, nerdy, heartfelt (and thus category-spanning) delivery. 😻🤩🤓
Thank you Alexx for reading, commenting, and restacking - I really appreciate it.
I’m also so happy to hear you enjoyed the piece, so thanks for sharing your thoughts, and showing your support :)
My pleasure! I like good stuff. 😻
Way Cool ME/CP - any warm bodied mammal that sleeps 14 hours a day is OK by me - Bravo to all the 'misfits' - without the 'rebels' we would all be barracking for Collingwood?
Thanks Emmett, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
And I know, right? Sleeping 14 hours a day sounds sweet.
Hahaha yes, hooray for the misfits, after all, someone’s gotta keep those Collingwood supporters in check.
Thanks again Emmett - I always appreciate and enjoy your comments.
Well it seems now very clear that my spirit animal is a platypus, I'd been wondering but didn't want to force the issue. 😁 Wonderful post, Michael, and I will echo others' saying it was nice to hear from The Platypus themself. Categories: yes, yes! Us v. Them seems like the root of so many problems, I'm trying so hard lately to take a deep breath and say "We" and mean it.
Thanks Troy, I’m so glad you liked the piece. And I’m very happy to hear you vibed with the platypus - as you may have noticed I am somewhat partial to the platypus as well ;)
Yes, the Us v. Them thing seems to bleed into so many domains and cause so much division - which is a shame because, as you so rightly pointed out, from within the boundaries of a different category “we” are all just humans trying to make it through.
Thanks again Troy, as always I really appreciate your support - and by the way I just saw you posted a new piece, which I’m looking forward to read :)
An animal that sleeps 14 hours per day! It is only one hour less than my spirit animal the sloth so here there is a lot of commonality! I feel your writing so keenly on this. Categories are needed, but these days I am getting to the point where I dont even want to be categorised as "human", if you need to define and label me then call me an energy field instead
But I do wonder though, are you not missing an adjective on describing yourself? Are you not indeed also the "Librarian-Custodian of the largest Platypus book collection in the Southern Hemisphere" :)
Simon, my friend, you never fail to make me laugh! That comment about me being the “Librarian-Custodian of the largest collection of platypus books...” (although true) had me in absolute hysterics.
Thank you for commenting, I’m glad you enjoyed the piece and that your down with the platypus’s sleep schedule.
And I can vibe with ‘energy field’ - but I would at least add the adjective “side-splitting funny” to that label.
I feel like liking this essay is not enough. I want to make sure you see me over here in the corner utterly gobsmacked at the level of your writing and the way you put a piece together. The way you invite me to think of myself and the world in a better way. I wish I was more articulate, but like I said, gobsmacked.
Wow, thank you, Teresa, for such kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the essay.
And I really appreciate you taking the time to write such a lovely comment.
Pretty cool idea: the platypus as tool for moving through cognitive dissonance theory (or something close to that). I think you pulled it off.
Thanks Jason, I’m glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it.
Such a thoughtful examination on the perils of categorization. Consider me inspired!
Thanks, Jessica, I’m glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it.
Also, I just read your intro piece on Momento Mori - and you can colour me intrigued. It was very interesting and well-written.
You may be interested in reading a Substack called ‘Death and Birds’ its by Chloe Hope.
https://deathandbirds.substack.com/
You bring tears to my eyes--literally! I'm overcoming some seriously crushing self-criticism to be here writing on Substack. Actually, I found your point about eschewing labels to be quite liberating for just that reason. Thank you for stopping by to read, comment, and subscribe. Like you said, I really appreciate it. Truly!
Off I go to Death and Birds. Thanks for the rec!
I’m glad I could help Jessica. I really struggled with my own doubts before coming to substack, so I can relate. It’s good to see your here anyway.
Well, holy moly aren't you the match maker?!