Marlies de Vries
Most accountants are conformists. Conformists accept the mores of their profession and don’t question why things are done a certain way. However, problems in accountancy can only be overcome by professionals who have a critical mindset and who dare to question. Let the rebel in you come out!
Introduction Socrates, Bob Dylan and Pippi Longstocking have pride of place in my personal hall of heroes. Perhaps an odd trio on the face of it, but they do have one thing in common: each, in their own way, is a rebel. I admire them because they speak out against the established order and stay true to themselves. I have a thing for rebels. Earlier, I wrote about Socrates and Bob Dylan. Now it’s Pippi’s turn. It started when I was a kid. Each Wednesday after school got out, I’d settle in front of the TV with a packet of crisps for children’s series like De film van Ome Willem and Tita Tovenaar – sure to ring a bell with Dutch readers – and, of course, Pippi Long stocking. Pippi is a playful, flame-haired girl as strong as a horse, whose father is a pirate-hunting sea captain. She lives all alone in a big mansion called Villa Villekulla and does whatever she pleases. Next door live two very proper children, Tommy and Annika, who are always coming over to visit. Together, they go on the wildest adven tures. Pippi has a monkey for a pet and sleeps with her feet on her pillow. My brother and I would play ‘Pippi’ in the attic, inspired by the Pippi Longstocking series – and the all-too-dull ordinariness of our parents. Basically, we both wanted to be just like Pippi. But now, barely thirty years on, the fact is we grew up to be much more like Tommy and Annika. We do what’s expected of us and have adapted to our surroundings; in a word, we’ve been socialised. Now that I’ve ‘grown up’, I do occasionally miss the Pippi in me. Luckily, though, she still resurfaces from time to time.
ode to the rebellious spirit
Ode to the rebellious spirit
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