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There's a relevant Dutch saying here, "high trees catch a lot of wind"

If you're not making anyone mad, you're probably not doing anything important.

That is not a Dutch saying. In the Netherlands, there are literally rap songs extolling the virtues of Normal.

Honestly, it would probably help if American music and entertainment had more of a "here's how we overcome together" theme and less "sing about my bling and you don't get a thing."

Interesting, I would love to hear more and/or read the lyrics!

Dutch culture favors blending in vs standing out. Another saying - japanese I think, that comes to mind, is "the nail that sticks out gets the hammer". I was sure there was a softer dutch version about "the tallest flower gets the snip" or something but I can't find a reference :)

I feel that this is not the same spirit as 'high trees catch a lot of wind' though, that one in particular is about how famous/important people will receive a lot of criticism, and does not refer to the 'be normal' attitude.

Along the same lines as "the tallest blade of grass is always mowed" and "the late worm misses the bird".

"The higher up the tree the monkey climbs, the more his butt is exposed." - Jack Welch (I think)

Tall poppy syndrome.

Sure, but import doesn't imply good. Putin is arguably making people mad right now.

Viel Feind, viel Ehr!

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