Some people have the courage to be truly themselves.

In this day and age there is an emphasis on ' being yourself' yet observation tells its own story. Most who assert their so-called independance and individuality find themselves - also-rans - running with the herd, all slaves to the tyrannies of fads and fashion.

To stand in a crowd and shout about individuality may seem a contradiction in terms - but then, there is the safety of numbers and never to have to face one's own power.

The secret to standing out in the crowd is to find and own the true essence of individuality at the core of every being, and this, in itself, may be a scary prospect - especially when the true person, behind all the sham, is someone quite different to who was expected.

True individuality is power and "... our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure ..." These the wise words of that great individual - Nelson Mandela (part of his inauguration speech 1994).

To be an individual is to swim against the tide, to challenge injustice and to cross authority. Not for the sake of it, through arrogance or self-centredness. It is not self-centred - it opens the doors of concern for the rights of other individuals. The world over, examples of heroic acts improve the lot of many.

Krishnamurti, hailed a prophet early last century for his philosophies which sought to empower the individual, encouraged young people to understand and question authority. Rules may (or may not) be founded on good reason but blind acceptance is not the way forward and it is disempowering.

It may be directly because of his - and other's - teachings, that many of the most successful companies are paternalistic, hierarchically shallow, and encourage individualism within the workforce. This results in unfettered creativity and benefits the organisation itself. Good business practice!

Indeed Krishnamurti. himself was the protege of Annie Besant who pioneered, in the early part of the century, to improve the working conditions in English match factories. She was concerned by the fact that most of the (girl) workers suffered from 'phossy jaw', an insidious condition resulting from exposure to phosphorous.

Just a handful of courageous individuals in this short piece, bridge history and demonstrate how they accepted their individual power to bring about change.

Yes, individuality is about personal power and the courage to empower others through quiet conviction and firm action - until the end is achieved.

Baying for one's rights as a individual is not it - it's about sticking your neck out and claiming those rights for one and all. It requires courage and risk, but then - a fine tea will never know its strength until it's in hot water.

It takes guts to be an individual - and a true hero.