The Pineapple Principle: Being Original but not Narcissistic

Once upon a time, the pineapple caused quite a commotion.

Back in 1496, when Christopher Columbus transported the first pineapple from the Americas to Europe, the people practically swooned. They had never seen anything quite like it.

Charles II is presented with the first pineapple grown in England (1675 painting by Hendrik Danckerts).

They noted its unusual shape, the crown perched on top, and its distinctly sweet taste. For a few centuries, the pineapple received a celebrity status that can be measured today only by the history books.

According to Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdes, the Spanish historian, "[It is] the most beautiful of any fruits I have seen. I do not suppose there is in the whole world any other of so exquisite and lovely appearance."

You would think he was complimenting a princess. Not a pineapple.

So what made this fruit of yonder yore so popular and desirable? Today I can buy it in chunks in a container any time of the year, so what’s the big secret to its past popularity?

Originality, of course!

Let’s call this the “Originality Factor” because it reminds us that the value of something often corresponds to how rare or original it is.

As modern elegant women, we can apply the “Originality Factor” to become the best version of ourselves.

Like the majority of humans today, especially women in the Western hemisphere, you probably struggle with feeling original, special and rare. You likely want to stand out from the crowd in a stellar way that draws praise and admiration because of what you contribute to the world. Unfortunately, the media suggests that our worth depends upon standing out (it doesn’t) or perfect body shape. And a beaucoup of competing ideas and worldly pressures make us question if the fight is even worth it.

So let’s take an honest look at originality, why we struggle with it and how to adopt a healthy perspective.

Originality - what is it?

Aptitude testing shows that we are stronger in some aptitudes than in others. We might be an ideas person more than a numbers person, for example. However, most areas of our strengths are not as obvious to the world as they are in the born athletes, brainiacs, artists and musicians. But those prodigies are more the exception than the rule and the rest of us should not feel inferior.

God is a creative God who made us as women in His image. We are both brains and beauty and are to reflect His goodness, truth and beauty in our creativity. So how to do we unveil the God-given uniqueness within? How do we focus on what we might offer without becoming self-focused, worldly or greedy in the process?

As I've ready, researched and contemplated this topic, I've discovered three guidelines for applying the “Originality factor”.

Are you ready?

Step One: If you want to be original…forget about being original.

During WWII, C.S. Lewis, the author of the Narnia series, recorded some BBC broadcasts to boost England’s morale and answer theological and philosophical questions.

Clive Staples Lewis, Age 48

Due to the war effort, most of the audio reels were recyled, so the only surviving broadcast of the series and his voice are from March 21st, 1944. Lewis, one of the most original and imaginative minds of the 20th century, addressed our dilemma:

“Even in literature and art, no man who cares about originality will ever be original. It’s the man who’s only thinking about doing a good job or telling the truth who becomes really original and doesn’t notice it. Even in social life, you never make a good impression on other people until you’ve stopped thinking what sort of impression you make. That principle runs all through life from the top to the bottom.”

That seems counter-intuitive but rings true. Originality can’t be forced. We all know or read about women who are so wrapped up in themselves and wanting attention that we are repelled rather than attracted. Or they end up copying the experts without a drop of themselves added to the mix. That is called plagarism.

So don’t focus on originality like a laser because, like magic, you will eventually find it when you least expect it. Instead, focus on the job before you and doing your best. That’s step one.

Step Two:

Originality Formula: Your unique interests + time = Originality

I would love to be a calligrapher. My cursive is borderline admirable, but for so long I longed for a special “style” of lettering that would make me feel like I had something different to offer. My regular handwriting was pretty but nothing special to write home about. I poured over calligraphy books seeking a style that would reflect and fit me - kind of like the unique wands in the Harry Potter series that are particular to each character and can be used by no one else.

That’s when my teacher rescued me from that forced originality that Lewis warns us about. “Your style will come in time,” he explained.

In other words, add up all your favorite passions and something new and unique to you will eventually emerge.

Indeed, over time, my signature style took shape and resulted from the singular combination of: my favorite fonts, the amount of pressure I apply to my dip pen, the way I hold my pen, the particular slant I use, little flicks and techniques I like and add to my lettering, my subject matter, my favorite colors, etc. I have much to improve, but I have come a long way and that is very satisfying.

You see, I have realized that no other calligrapher possesses that exact combination of factors that allow me to produce what is singularly mine. Nor I them. We could try and imitate each other but the results would still come out different.

And no one is exactly like you. Your choices combined over time will produce the originality factor you are looking for.

Or take someone famous.

Keith Urban, country music superstar from Australia. According to an article in Maton Guitars Australia, Urban was part of the tranformation of country music in Nashville in the early 90’s. In addition to his accent, he offered something new and original stemming from the combination of his early interests.

“Urban grew comfortable on-stage, and he worked on his singing and acting abilities as a member of the Westfield Super Juniors, a local theater company. Meanwhile, he took a cue from his father (who had a deep interest in American culture and country music) by gravitating toward the work of Glen Campbell, Dolly Parton, Don Williams, and Jimmy Webb, all of whom inspired his early attempts at songwriting. Urban added his own dimension to those influences when he discovered Dire Straits and became interested in the fretwork of Mark Knopfler, which led to in-depth study of Knopfler's technique.” https://maton.com.au/artists/keith-urban\ One thing led to another. Inspiration, experiences, gravitational interests, techniques…and Keith’s originality changed the music industry.

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So what are your story ingredients that you can pull from that might affect your own individual style? Are you a Southerner stuck in the North? Embrace it! Do you love to wear scarves? Find out all the ways you can wear one and be known for that. Do you love fairies or butterflies? Incorporate them into your art or the book series you are dreaming of writing. Surround yourself with the things you love most – not what you think the trends demand - and let them guide you in creating your original style.

But wait, there’s more…one more critical factor

Even Keith Urban would not be where he is today if he had not done one thing. He had to practice, practice, practice! And so does everyone else who wants to get better at what they do.

Originality appears to have come from nowhere because we usually only see the end result. We don’t see the years and years of repeated practice, inevitable failures, and learning from mistakes. The ups and downs, the disappointments, the breakthroughs, the rejections. Practicing in the face of failure but getting right back up again and practicing some more. Then and only then - unless its a fluke or you are the luckiest person ever - will you create an original masterpiece.

Martha Graham, one of the most well-known choreographers of modern dance in the 20th century, put it like this, “ Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired.”

Let’s be classy women who invite the perfection we desire. It takes hard work…but we are strong enough!

So let’s summarize.

First, if we want to be original, if we want to one day reflect an originality that causes people to take a second look, like the exceptional pineapple, we should not focus on being original. Secondly, over time, we might not notice it but others will comment on the unique application of our favorite interests whether they be reflected in our art, fashion, writing, music or whatever we do. But even that’s not enough. Practicing our art, our skill, what we want to do, is critical to fostering our originality.

Swish Takeaways - Remember the “Pineapple Principle”

The next time you see a pineapple at the grocery store - crown, spikes and all - remember how its originality is part of its story…its history. Remind yourself of your special story as a woman coming into your own. It won’t happen overnight, but one day with some time and practice, you will wake up and find how far you’ve come. That you were special to begin with, and how much more you have to offer the world now because you took the time to invest in what is good, true and beautiful…the gifts that God gave you as a unique woman that will shine more and more as you reflect His creativity and originality.