South African comedian Trevor Noah recently opened up about feeling “imprisoned” as a child by the pressure to conform. Reflecting on his upbringing, the 40-year-old entertainer revealed that the “worst advice” he ever received was to follow the crowd, a notion he now rejects.
Speaking to The Observer, Noah shared, “I think the worst advice was that you have to try to fit in. You’d meet somebody you don’t get along with and you’d be told: ‘Just tolerate it for now.'”
He explained that this mindset led to an inner conflict later in life, as it prevented him from being true to himself around the people he wanted to build lasting relationships with. “It’s only in later life that you realise that a prison comes with not being yourself around the people you wish to build a life with,” Noah reflected.
Today, his advice for young people is quite the opposite. “Be yourself as much as you can,” he urges. “Some people you’ll lose along the way, but the ones you keep will know the real you.”
In addition to his insights on authenticity, the former Daily Show host has ventured into children’s literature with his new book Into the Uncut Grass. He has often credited his mother, Patricia, as a central figure in shaping his work and worldview. Writing about her in his previous projects allowed Noah to deepen his appreciation for her, not just as a mother, but as a complex individual.
“We never really spend time thinking of our parents as human beings because we are tied to them,” Noah said. “It helped me understand why I love my mother beyond the fact that you’re supposed to. When you write about somebody, you get to understand all the shades and layers that make them who they are to you.”
With his new book and fresh perspective, Noah continues to encourage others to embrace their true selves and value the deeper connections in their lives.
Source: iol.co.za
