The essence of independence has been to think and act ...

The essence of independence has been to think and act according to standards from within, not without. Inevitably anyone with an independent mind must become one who resists or opposes authority or established conventions: a rebel. If enough people come to agree with, and follow, the Rebel, we now have a Devil. Until, of course, still more people agree. And then, finally, we have --- Greatness.