“My natural enthusiasm about bugs is stronger than any worries about how nerdy I appear…” -Thomas Shahan.

I ran across this quote last week in a tweet by The Today Show. Shahan was a guest on the show, talking about his passion for photographing bugs. Do yourself a favor and visit Shahan’s Flickr Photostream. I am not a huge fan of bugs, but his photos are incredibly beautiful. It’s like visiting another world. Imagine having the ability to do this–to show people other worlds right there under their noses all the time–and NOT DOING IT because you’re worried about looking “nerdy“.

So this is what I say to you: if you’re a nerd–what Dictionary.com calls “an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit”–embrace it. Many of the truly incredible things that have been accomplished in this world were done by intelligent, single-minded, and yes, obsessed people! You owe it to yourself (and the world) to share it!

What do you think of his photos? Aren’t they amazing? Have you ever been called a nerd? Are you cool with it or do you hide your enthusiasm because you’re afraid of what people think?

Photo credit. CC BY 2.0