Lowrey 1

Wren Lowrey

Mr. Briggs

Composition 1: Block 4th

30 November 2017

Individualism

In works of philosophy and literature, the ideas of individualism are constantly seen as

controversial. When an individual in The Grapes of Wrath worked families off their land to feed

his own, he was viewed as the enemy during a time of enemies (Steinbeck). Alternately, the

individual was completely stripped and replaced with We in Anthem (Rand). This concept was

once more seen as barbaric and anti-human. The core fundamentals of individualism, however,

are not this complex. Individualism is simply about self-expression, self-reliance, and the ability

to have basic rights.

As previously stated, part of being an individual is the ability to express ones self. A

person should be able to think and express himself in any possible way. Essentially, each

individual is allowed a personality. As part of the first Amendment in the Constitution, a citizen

is entitled to freedom of speech, press, petition, assembly, and religion; a citizen is entitled to be

different (US, Philadelphia, Constitution). This idea is not, however, only about the individual:

the individual is a part of the group as a whole. In an interview, Kristina Lowrey said, ...the

group is better for each person bringing their own individual characteristics, beliefs, background,

knowledge, and skill set to the table (Lowrey). Society as a whole is better off because of the

benefit of individual thinking, which leads to innovation and advancements (Miller).

Furthermore, individualism is about more than creative thought: it is also about artistic

expression. Humans have a desire to express themselves, and in this way they heal. Along the
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way, they create works of art and literature; they create beauty. If not art for arts sake, creators

establish a piece which will remain impactful for generations to come. Simply put, anything

creative makes life that much more interesting (Lowrey).

Individualism also means the ability to provide for ones self, better known as rational

self-interest. This is a concept revered by the likes of Ayn Rand and Aristotle. These two

individuals were philosophers of their times who believed in seeking knowledge, self-expression,

truth, and individual happiness. In Aristotles philosophical writings on aesthetics, ethics, and

politics, he states a self-sufficient society is a necessity for humans to have happiness (Minio-

Paluello). This is the basic concept of rational self-interest: the idea the individual should come

first. Whether a person is looking to earn a raise, find food, or companionship, he must put

himself first in order to succeed. This recipe does not include selfishness nor selflessness, rather

something in the middle. Ayn Rands best example of this is love: A selfless love is a

contradiction in terms: it would mean you have no personal stake in the object of your love its

a union of mind and body that both people pursue for their own happiness (Rand).

Finally, Individualism means the acquisition of individual rights and freedoms. Every

individual deserves rights. When asked the question, Should every person have equal rights,

Todd Miller fired back, Why arent we just people at this point? (Miller). the Declaration of

Independence states it is by natural law each individual deserves rights to life, liberty, and the

pursuit of happiness (US, Jefferson et al., Declaration). These were basic rights more than two-

hundred years ago, and are still today. Discrimination is not a part of being because conforming

leads rather into collectivism, not individualism. This is about more than the Declaration of

Independence. In Anthem, Ayn Rand creates an extreme, societal system of collectivism; there is

no individual, only We; there is no innovation as no ones strengths are accentuated; there is
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no happiness or desire, because happiness is a personal expression, and, therefore, not allowed

(Rand). In this book, the main character discovers life is about more than living until death. Life

is about desire and expression; love and loss; and each person, as their basic right, decides for

himself what it is their life means (Rand).

None of this is to say collectivism is bad. Mr. Miller said it best: Bees are good at it

(Miller). In the work-force or on the bus, the individual, like the bee, must not only rely on

others, but he must also expect others to rely on him; no one makes it through this world alone.

Limits are included with individualism. If a person reaches the point of narcissism, he no longer

is able to learn and grow because he can no longer see any other perspective than his own; he is

no longer willing to admit he is wrong. Collectivism, however, is a trap which can be easily

fallen into. If taken too far, a person is stripped of name, title, desire, fear, and any other pieces

of identity which makes him unique. In Aristotles philosophy of metaphysics, the world is

eternal, but what makes existence knowable is the individuals ability to experience life in its

many colors, and feel, love, share, and create (Minio-Paluello). Individualism means reality, as it

is known, exists.

Simply put, individualism is about self-expression, self-reliance, and the ability to have

basic rights. Extremes do not have to be put into place in order for a person to experience all of

the wonders which come with being who he is meant to be. This world is not meant for the loner,

but rather for individuals who decide to use strengths and assets to benefit each other, and, by

virtue, themselves. The individual can also choose to say or do what he pleases, so long as it

does not trample on anothers personal and basic rights. Individualism is about seeking a path,

choosing family, and finding the truth inside.

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Works Cited

Ayn Rand Institute. Introduction to Objectivism. Ayn Rand.com, 2017,

https://www.aynrand.org/ideas/overview.

Lowrey, Kristina, Personal Interview, 29 Nov. 2017.

Miller, Todd, Personal Interview, 30 Nov. 2017.

Minio-Paluello, Lorenzo. Aristotelianism, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Nov. 2017,

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aristotle.

Rand, Ayn. Anthem. Penguin Books, 1938.

Steinbeck, John. Grapes of Wrath. Penguin Books, 1939.

United States of America, Jefferson, Thomas et al. The Declaration of Independence, 4 July

1776.

United States of America, Philadelphia Convention. The United States Constitution, 21 June

1788.