Paul McCartney – I used to think that anyone doing anything weird was weird. I suddenly realized that anyone doing anything weird wasn’t weird at all, and it was the people saying they were weird that were weird
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Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is September 9th.
Now, here's something that'll make you smile: today is Wonderful Weirdos Day! Yes, we’re celebrating all the delightful oddities that make life more interesting. The quirks, the differences, the things that make us wonderfully weird.
For today’s quote, I have the words of a musical legend—Paul McCartney.
He once said,
"I used to think that anyone doing anything weird was weird. I suddenly realized that anyone doing anything weird wasn't weird at all, and it was the people saying they were weird that were weird."
That’s a mouthful, but man, it hits the mark. McCartney, a fricken Beatle for crying out loud, knows a thing or two about challenging norms. And this quote flips the whole idea of weirdness on its head. It’s not about the people doing the so-called “weird” things—it’s about the people who can’t handle that kind of difference.
Ain't that the truth? Often, the things we think of as “weird” are just expressions of individuality. It's the onlookers—the ones pointing fingers and labeling others—who are the ones trapped in the real weirdness: their own narrow view of how life should be.
Let’s face it. At some point, you’ve probably felt like the odd one out. Maybe it was because of how you dressed, something you were passionate about, or the way you approached a problem differently from others. But here’s the thing—you were likely just doing your thing, being yourself, when someone decided it was “weird.”
That’s where Wonderful Weirdos Day comes in. It’s a reminder to not just accept but to celebrate the unique parts of who we are. Because if you look at it from McCartney’s angle, the weirdos aren’t weird at all. They’re just living authentically. And in a world that can be obsessed with fitting in, authenticity might be the rarest—and most refreshing—thing of all.
Think about it. The trailblazers, the innovators, the people who changed the course of history—none of them followed the usual script. They all did something “weird” at the time. Take Steve Jobs. His obsession with design and simplicity seemed odd in the tech world. But his vision changed the way we interact with technology forever. Then there’s someone like Frida Kahlo, whose bold, surreal art defied conventions. Her work was often seen as strange, but it became iconic because she refused to be anything but herself.
McCartney’s realization—this idea that weirdness is in the eye of the beholder—is key. Once you understand that, you stop caring about the labels. You stop worrying about fitting into someone else’s version of normal. And guess what? That’s when life gets a whole lot more fun.
So, today, I want you to do something a little “weird.” Maybe it’s wearing that quirky shirt you’ve been hiding in the back of your closet. Maybe it’s picking up a hobby you’ve been putting off because it doesn’t seem “practical.” Whatever it is, embrace it fully. Because, as McCartney discovered, the people doing their own thing aren’t the weird ones. The real weirdness is trying to put everyone in the same box.
As I wrap up today’s episode, take a minute to think about where in your life you’ve been holding back. Is there something you love or feel drawn to, but haven’t let yourself pursue because it doesn’t seem “normal”? Today’s the perfect day to lean into it. Celebrate what makes you different. After all, in a world full of sameness, your unique quirks are what make you truly shine.
Thanks for spending a few moments with me on The Daily Quote. Remember, today—and every day—is a chance to be authentically, wonderfully you. Until next time, I’m Andrew McGivern, reminding you that the best kind of weird is the kind that’s true to you.
Take care, and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
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