"By not caring too much about what people think, I'm able to think for myself and propagate ideas which are very often unpopular. And I succeed"

Albert Ellis highlights the profound relationship between self-reliance and intellectual freedom. He points to the essential courage required to set aside the constant concern for external validation or approval. When individuals fixate on the opinions of others, their thoughts, actions, and creative pursuits can become shackled by fear of rejection or criticism. This obsession with popularity can stifle originality and lead people to suppress their true ideas or beliefs.

Ellis’s approach suggests a kind of psychological liberation. Free from the interminable pressure of social approval, one can engage in genuine, independent thought. The mind becomes a fertile ground for innovation, allowing unconventional or unpopular ideas to emerge and flourish. In this mental space, creativity is not hindered by the immediate need for affirmation, and it becomes easier to question the status quo.

Propagating unpopular ideas, as Ellis notes, takes resilience. Mainstream society often gravitates toward consensus and punishes outliers. It requires both strength and conviction to advocate for perspectives at odds with prevailing beliefs. Yet, such willingness to be different is where significant progress often originates. History is replete with individuals whose initial ideas were rejected, only later to be recognized as visionary. Ellis’s success, therefore, is not rooted in chasing popularity but in remaining authentic to his intellect and values.

By thinking independently, one is more likely to contribute meaningful insights, insights unfiltered by the desire for approval. This authenticity tends to foster more impactful and lasting success, as achievements are built on originality rather than conformity. Ultimately, Ellis advocates for embracing personal convictions, trusting one’s reasoning, and being undeterred by how one's ideas are received. It is this capacity to resist social pressures and stand firmly behind one’s beliefs that cultivates true achievement and intellectual progress.