Chasing ‘Likes’

Focus: On the surrender of autonomy to digital crowds and the true meaning of expressive freedom.

“Chasing ‘likes’ means surrendering your autonomy to the crowd—you’d be better off selling a uniform product. Vincent van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime, yet history recognized his genius. He’s far from alone in this. True freedom of speech isn’t about directing others—it’s about expressing yourself.”

The Shaffy Principle

In the quiet pursuit of integrity, we find strength in the words of Ramses Shaffy. He understood that the artist’s role is not to seek permission, but to exist fully. As he sang in the iconic collaboration with Alderliefste and Liesbeth List:

‘I’ll just let my words wander, and everyone else can figure it out for themselves.’ — Laat Me / Vivre

Watch the Performance: Alderliefste ft. Ramses Shaffy & Liesbeth List – Laat Me / Vivre