Unicorns

Alan Weiss's The Uncomfortable Truth®

SHOW NOTES: One of the most corrupted words in the language recently is "unicorn," which is a mythical creature. "Mythical" means "not real." Yet all kinds of people have decided they are unicorns and, therefore, are unique, better than others, more valuable. Yet if so many people are appropriating the title, then are they really "unique"? Outstanding performers may be rare—in sports, business, entertainment, whatever—but they are not mythical, and they don't see themselves as mysterious creatures. In fact, highly successful people can tell you why they're successful. It's the unsuccessful people who insist they're somehow "unicorns." You know, narwhals also have single tusks sticking out of their heads. Or, mythically, you could call yourself a Sasquatch, or Yeti, or Loch Ness Monster. Or the Easter Bunny or the Tooth Fairy. But enough with "unicorn." They are now a herd and none are differentiated.