How to ... stand out

The world is divided into those who frown on standing out and those who encourage it. Britain stands out even among those who favour standing out for its devotion to it. From birth, most people think they have an absolute right to be special. This comes from modern parenting, which encourages children to believe they are capable of anything rather than being capable of becoming a baker.

You used to be able to stand out by having a radical haircut or wearing something unusual. Now, when even the bank manager has multiple piercings, it's a bit more difficult.

There's a big difference between standing out and being outstanding. People who truly excel at something don't make any effort to stand out; other people just tend to stand back and watch with awe. Some people, however, are so keen not to stand out that they strive for anonymity. In the end they become reclusive and, while they may think they've merged into the background, they're actually the subject of speculation as to what they're hiding.

True eccentrics have absolutely no intention of standing out. They just do exactly what they feel like, regardless of what others think, which makes them stand out. The British have great tolerance of eccentricity, unless it's accompanied by wealth or success.

The quickest way to stand out is to stand up for something. Having the courage of your convictions and pursuing them wholeheartedly separates you very rapidly from the crowd. Often the person who stands out by standing up becomes a stand-in for people who can't stand the thought of standing out.

Maps Of My Life, by Guy Browning, is published by Square Peg, £12.99