> being contrarian and having no talent I meant that if you are a contrarian then the majority will dismiss you as an opportunist who is using their contrarian

> being contrarian and having no talent I meant that if you are a contrarian then the majority will dismiss you as an opportunist who is using their contrarian position to gain popularity, that they would have otherwise been unable to attain. Their implication being, that the contrarian lacks the talent to make it without the additional attention brought by being the contrarian. I wasn't stating a truth, but rather the perception and resulting reaction from the 'hivemind'. > There is a large portion of philosophy that ponders the question if criticism can be a creative endeavor. I am firmly in the camp that believes it is indeed with no restriction. I am totally with you on that. I am sorry if the original comment came across as being demeaning towards contrarians.