Just be yourself.

That phrase has been uttered from many a mouth over time, its basic sentiment meaning that the qualities that make up the "real" you are all that are necessary for others to like, adore, abhor, or otherwise take interest in the displayed "you".

Seeing as how human beings are just animals, this has to be kept in mind to reach a proper perspective on why this phrase is not only overused, but is essentially shit to be consumed by emaciated pigs.

Humans are animals, which is only one form of the many different forms of life. Life is a product of energy being fed (sometimes literally) to any given chamber of working cells which make up an organism. Blades of grass are life, fish are life, amoebae are life, and so are individual sperm and egg, even before forming a zygote. This is not intended to be a rant on why life is sacred. Because life isn't sacred. Life is no adjective any human mind can and will place upon it; life simply is. When life ceases to exist, we have called this death. Life begets life, and life begets death.

When a life of a human begins, the child is raised by its parents according to the genetic and evolutionary protocols that are in the brains of all three party members: father, mother, and child. The child has no other place to observe and assimilate other behaviors but from other humans, and they did so in order to survive the conditions that humans have placed themselves due to the evolution of the species.

To further the exact meaning of the sentiment "Just be yourself", it implies that you aren't to look to others for information concerning who you are (identity and self-presentation). But if you take into account the above paragraph, it is clear that this directive is impossible.

On a literallistic level, how can one be anything but itself?

This phrase has spawned many different sentiments, all bearing extreme resemblances. One of the latest is "be real".

If one is to assume that what is meant by any of the phrases is not blatant imitation, I have to wonder what is so inherently wrong with that behavior. Perhaps the person has noticed a fault within their own self-presentation and/or identity and has chosen a role model? If done subtly, this person may actually create a persona which is not only seemingly unique, but actually fits them better and is conducive to a happier life. Isn't that the general goal in life?

I understand how someone could use this phrase and use it in a context which actually directs a valid point: Create an identity that fits and is becoming instead of basing an identity on undesirable traits (balance factor).

In my opinion however, this phrase and those like it is too often used by the herd to try and ironically demonstrate individuality, while they themselves are the epitome of collectivism.