Non Conformists

Throughout history, non-conformists have influenced society in positive ways. Non-conformity is capable of being beneficial to any society by looking at things from a different perspective. The Catholic Church’s speculated teachings of the universe were invalidated by Non conformity, the same way The Vigils and Brother Leon lost their power of the students in The Chocolate War; by someone taking a stand for what they believe is right, and other people being open to new ideas.

In the late 15th century, going against the Catholic Church was unusual and had its consequences. “About 600 years ago, the church was considered law. No one could defy its teaching and whoever did so was publicly beheaded. (Sydneyh) It also led to some of the greatest scientific discoveries ever. An example of nonconformity against the church leading to scientific progress was was Copernicus. His interest in astronomy compelled him to conflict with the church’s idea that the Earth was the center of the universe. The arrogance of the church would only of been empowered if no one was ever to voice a different opinion.

During this same time period the church was also teaching its masses that the Earth was flat, but luckily Ferdinand Magellan was courageous enough to oppose the church’s judgment. “The church says that the earth is flat, but I have seen its shadow on the moon, and I have more confidence in a shadow than in the church.”(Buchanan) His logic defied the church’s teachings, but his different ideas were found to be true and were accepted by the scientific community. If he had bit his tongue and conformed with the church like so many others did, we may have never sailed across the Atlantic in fear of falling off the earth.

These scientific breakthroughs could be compared to jerry Renaults actions in Robert Cormier’s novel The Chocolate War. Jerry ostracizes himself by refusing to sell chocolates for the “optional” school fundraiser. “’Let me get this straight, Renault… I called your name. your answer could have been
either yes or no. Yes means that like every other student in this school you agree to sell a certain amount of chocolates…no means you do not wish to sell the chocolates, that you refuse to participate. Now, what is your answer? Yes or no?’ ‘No.”