Why Unique?

Why do we strive for unique thinking or experiences? 

To entertain this mental exercise, my reasoning immediately jumps to the human need for attention and praise. Westerners are programmed to be comforted by the attention our uniqueness may foster. One must be an outlier for sustainable success down this path to praise. And if you're not? Is your fate the mundane?

Yes.

It sounds awful, but it's not. You're human and can bond with other humans by having relatable goals, fears, dreams, frustrations, hopes, and vices. Live with your everyday experiences which enable this ability. The life of a sevant can be lonely. I've found the most satisfying way to feed my ego (we all have to) is by capturing someone's attention through connection.