Conformism is the idea of going along and getting along, and may well be best expressed in the old saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Conformism suggests that the easiest and hence best life is attained by doing one's very best to blend in with one's surroundings, and to do nothing eccentric or out of the ordinary in any way.

Many consider conformism to be the antithesis of both creativity and leadership, and hence of progress itself.

Inherently conservative (in the sense that they seek to maintain a status quo) institutions such as military organizations and organized religions tend to glorify and reinforce conformism, as do many large corporations, at least subconsciously, and sometimes overtly.

See also: conformity, non-conformist