The Decline of Deviance

Recommended by Mike

This was probably the most impactful essay I've read in the past year. I work in the food industry, and we reference it all the time. How everything feels the same and not very interesting. I've been thinking a lot this year about developing taste and curating who you are as a person, not in the social media sense, but in the idea of really trying to figure out what you love and what makes you different. I think we don't like to grapple with things that are unusual or even make us uncomfortable enough these days, which are what can push us forward or into new territories. I think that's partly why I like Rec League, because I like seeking out the recommendations that feel unique to a person and may not be for everyone. It's more about discovering what resonates with you and less about finding that Wirecutter approved perfect option.

2 months ago

Comments

milliusher

@milliusherAug 22, 2026

THIS.

CarlyRed

@carly8e2Aug 22, 2026

Thanks! I enjoyed reading this.

Laura Landers

@itslauralandersAug 23, 2026

Can I get an amen?!

Egi Troka

@humanAug 23, 2026

Exactly! We have a culture of conformity. People are afraid to be different for fear of backlash, cancel culture, loss of community. Loneliness is up, yet access to people of all walks of life and experiences has never been easier. You can rent or cosplay anyone’s life. I wish people would just speak their mind more. This is why I love this app. People can just be themselves instead of posturing.

Anna Songsong

@annasongsongAug 23, 2026

I’m always looking for the people who have found their weird side, and hoping that more are willing to do the work to see their true and deviant sides. This also challenges me to reassess my own balance between the very high value I put on the length of my life and the ways it sometimes competes with my love of adventure.

Donna Halloran

@fabricadabraOct 10, 2026

Amen

Across Rec League

The Decline of Deviance

Kate George

“Really enjoyed this article. I definitely feel the same about influencers on instagram all sounding the same, new buildings all looking the same, the devastating fact that people are picking grey/white/black over colors. Let’s get weird please. Some of my favorite excerpts: “Everything’s gotta last: your joints, your skin, and most importantly, your reputation. That makes it way less enticing to s”

helen

“Super fun read and commentary with lots of interesting links. When I was 16, people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I would respond, "Not boring."”