Modern media—especially modern fantasy media—has increasingly relied on the message of, “You are special.”
This isn’t a new idea. In a way, the devil appealed to Eve being special.
However, as technology has advanced and each person becomes better equipped to carve out his own personal universe, narcissistic pursuit of individualism has escalated.
It is easy to subversively impart a warped worldview when portraying characters with unique abilities and roles.
In the real world, if someone can do a thing, then there are other people who can do that thing as well.
If someone misses an opportunity to invent something valuable, it is only a matter of time before someone else will invent it.
This unrealistic uniqueness is often used to excuse bad morality.
When a narrative portrays that there is only one person in the world who can save said world, then they have to pay whatever price to do so, no matter how immoral.
As I continue to explore wonder, I keep finding cases where wonder is tied to things being special.
When I find a fresh spot of wonder, there is specialness, standing nearby observing me knowingly.
I’m beginning to suspect that specialness may be an essential attribute of wonder.
There are many husbands in this world, and many wives.
Within the context of each marriage, there is one husband and one wife.
Within the context of marriage, each spouse is special.
Within narrow scopes, a common instance can be unique.