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.
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.