I believe that there’s depth to almost everyone you meet that they hide because they’re afraid of not fitting in. I used almost because there are people in this world who don’t have a filter between their thoughts and their words, but they are rare. The following story is about Ben, who has a knack for identifying people’s true nature. I hope you enjoy his story.
Ben’s story.
Ben had always been a deep thinker. From a young age, he was drawn to the mysteries of the universe, the complexities of human emotions, and the philosophical questions that seemed to defy simple answers. While his peers were busy with games and chatter, Ben often found himself lost in thought, pondering the intricacies of existence.
Despite his introspective nature, Ben possessed a rare gift—he could communicate effortlessly with anyone, even those who appeared only interested in the more superficial aspects of life. He understood that not everyone shared his fascination with the profound, but rather than withdrawing, he embraced the challenge of bridging the gap between his world and theirs.
In secondary school, Ben was a quiet presence. He could discuss the latest trends, seamlessly blending into conversations about fashion, social media, or the newest viral sensation. But beneath his easygoing demeanour, he was always listening, always thinking. He knew that people often concealed their deeper thoughts behind superficial conversations, and he had a knack for gently guiding them to reveal more of themselves.
One afternoon, during lunch, Ben found himself sitting with a group of students who were animatedly discussing a popular reality TV show. The conversation was light, filled with gossip and speculation about the contestants. Ben chimed in with a few comments, making everyone laugh. But then he noticed something—one of the girls, Sarah, seemed unusually quiet.
As the conversation shifted, Ben turned to Sarah. “You don’t seem too interested in the show,” he said with a smile. “Is there something else on your mind?”
Sarah hesitated, glancing at the others. “It’s silly,” she said finally. “I just keep thinking about how fake it all seems, like everyone’s just pretending to be something they’re not. It makes me wonder if we’re all doing the same thing, just in different ways.”
Ben nodded, sensing the depth behind her words. “It’s not silly at all. I think a lot of people feel that way but don’t know how to express it. It’s easier to focus on the surface stuff than to question what’s underneath.”
Sarah looked at him, surprised. “You really think so?”
“Absolutely,” Ben replied. “Everyone has those thoughts at some point. But it takes courage to voice them.”
The conversation shifted from the reality show to a discussion about authenticity and the pressure to conform. Others at the table, initially hesitant, began to share their own experiences, slowly peeling back the layers of their thoughts. What had started as a superficial chat had transformed into something much deeper, all because Ben had recognised the potential for more.
Over time, Ben became known for his ability to draw out the unspoken thoughts of those around him. People would approach him with casual topics, but somehow, the conversations always ended up touching on something more meaningful. Ben never forced it; he simply listened, observed, and gently guided.
He realised that his gift was not just in thinking deeply but in understanding that everyone had depths within them, even if they didn’t always show it. By connecting with people on their level and then subtly leading them into deeper waters, Ben found a way to satisfy both his need for meaningful connection and his desire to understand the world.
In a society that often favoured the superficial, Ben remained true to his nature, using his unique ability to bridge the gap between the shallow and the profound. He discovered that even in a world of seemingly superficial people, there was always depth to be found—if only you knew how to look.
