It is a curious observation, one that often leaves the more conventional souls scratching their heads—why do certain intelligent, progressive individuals make such markedly different choices from the majority? These individuals are the outliers, those who do not fit neatly into the molds society offers. Let's explore this question with a touch of sensibility, a nod to irony, and a wink towards that ever-charming tongue-in-cheek humour.

At first glance, their refusal to follow the herd might seem like a mere eccentricity or even, to the untrained eye, a stubborn rebellion. But dig a little deeper, and you will find that the reasons behind their divergence are rooted in a set of carefully cultivated values—time, energy, effort, company, learning, and a dash of self-awareness. These individuals are not merely making different choices; they are making smarter, more thoughtful ones, driven by an insatiable intellectual horsepower that propels them into a different orbit.

Time: A Non-Renewable Resource

For the intelligent and progressive, time is not merely a passing hour or a day ticked off the calendar. It is a precious, non-renewable resource, far too valuable to be squandered on trivialities. When others might indulge in idle chit-chat or repetitive activities, the progressive mind is constantly seeking ways to maximise every moment. They do not spend time—they invest it. Whether it is spent reading, creating, or engaging in meaningful conversations, their focus is always on growth, both personal and intellectual.

Now, you might be thinking, "But don’t we all value our time?" Ah, indeed! But it’s the clever apportioning of it that sets them apart. You see, while many would happily lose an afternoon to the latest viral distraction, these individuals have mastered the art of saying "No, thank you" to the superfluous and "Absolutely" to the purposeful. It is, if you will, a fine balancing act, one that requires precision and foresight—a little like navigating KL's MRT during rush hour without losing one's cool.

Energy: Conserved and Channelled

Energy, much like time, is a finite resource. The intelligent individual knows that there are only so many mental calories one can expend in a day. Rather than scattering their energy across a vast array of pointless activities (attending every social event, indulging in every available pastime), they choose instead to concentrate it, much like focusing a beam of light into a laser. This selective focus is not about being aloof or elitist—though some may mistakenly perceive it that way. Rather, it is about ensuring that their energy is applied where it will yield the most meaningful results.

For the progressive individual, it is not enough to simply "get through" the day. Each day must have a purpose, whether it is learning something new, solving a problem, or advancing towards a long-term goal. They do not engage in busywork for the sake of appearances; they seek substance, not surface.

Effort: Deliberate, Not Haphazard

Ah, effort! That word that makes many a heart sink. But for the intelligent, effort is not something to be feared; it is something to be carefully applied. These individuals understand that how you expend effort is just as important as where you expend it. While the world around them often confuses activity with productivity, they have no such delusions. Every effort is deliberate, whether it is directed towards work, relationships, or personal development.

Herein lies the subtle art of "not doing what everyone else does." They refuse to jump on the bandwagon of pointless exertion. If something is not worth doing well, it is not worth doing at all. Rather than expend energy in futile endeavours, they invest their effort in tasks that align with their long-term goals and intellectual pursuits. They choose quality over quantity every time.

Company: Quality Over Quantity

And now we come to the matter of company. While others might revel in large social gatherings and an ever-expanding circle of acquaintances, the intelligent, progressive person tends to be more selective. It is not that they are anti-social—far from it. But they understand that the people with whom they spend their time will influence their thoughts, decisions, and ultimately, their future.

They seek out those who challenge them, who provoke new ideas, and who contribute to their personal growth. Small talk and superficial relationships? Not for them. Instead, they prefer deep, meaningful connections with individuals who share their values, passions, and intellectual curiosity. It’s not about being exclusive—it’s about being intentional.

Learning: An Unquenchable Thirst

If there is one thing that truly sets these individuals apart, it is their relentless pursuit of knowledge. Where others might be content with the occasional book or a documentary on a Sunday afternoon, the intelligent, progressive person is constantly learning. They see the world as a vast, endless classroom, full of lessons to be absorbed. Whether it’s learning a new language, mastering a skill, or diving into a complex philosophical text, they are always pushing the boundaries of what they know.

It is this drive to learn that often leads them down paths less traveled. While the masses may be content with conventional wisdom and accepted norms, these individuals are more likely to question, challenge, and seek out alternatives. After all, progress is not made by following the status quo.

Conclusion: Where Do You Stand on This Spectrum?

So, where do you find yourself in this spectrum of intellectual endeavor? Are you more inclined to follow the well-trodden path, or do you, like these progressive individuals, carve out your own way? There is no judgement in either choice; simply an invitation to reflect on where you are and where you might want to be.

The good news is that you now have the awareness to decide. You have the chance, should you wish to, to shift from one band of the spectrum to another. But here’s the catch—whether or not you can make that move will depend on your intellectual drive, your horsepower, if you will.

Perhaps you will find that you are already on the right path, content with your choices. Or perhaps, with this newfound knowledge, you will feel compelled to try something different, to stretch yourself, and to see how far your mind can take you. Regardless, the fact that you are aware of this reality is, in itself, a sign of progress. And remember, it’s not about arriving at a destination—it’s about the journey.

So, as pragmatic people might say with a wink and a nudge, "At least you gave it a go."