The Value of Individualism

As I began to write this backgrounder for our exploration of Individualism I looked at my bookcase and many of my old friends, my books, that I have read and enjoyed over the years are focused on stories that speak to protagonists who are individuals:
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger:
Holden Caulfield's alienation and rejection of the "phoniness" of adult society exemplifies a struggle against conformity and a desire for authentic self-expression.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury:
Guy Montag's transformation from a fireman who burns books to a reader and rebel against a suppressive government highlights the importance of individual thought and knowledge.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë:
Jane Eyre's defiance of social conventions and her pursuit of independence, both emotionally and financially, showcases the strength and resilience of the individual spirit.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho:
Santiago's journey to fulfill his Personal Legend emphasizes the importance of following one's dreams and listening to one's inner voice.
Fountainhead by Ayn Rand:
Celebrates the individual genius of Howard Roark and the pursuit of personal achievement.
The Stranger by Albert Camus:
Meursault explores existential themes of alienation and his place in an absurd world
One Flew Over the Cuckoo Nest by Ken Kesey:
Individualism is a central theme explored through the clash between Randle McMurphy and Nurse Ratched
On Liberty by John Stuart Mill:
Individuality is presented as a crucial element for individual and societal progress, emphasizing the importance of freedom to think, act, and live according to one's own character, so long as it doesn't harm others.
These books, amongst many others, highlight a culture that emphasizes a mythology of the empowered individual: the action hero, the corporate magnate, the cowboy, the pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps self-made-person archetype, the uncompromising individual. It’s in our entertainment, our historical narrative, our political philosophies, and our culture. It leads us to value the individual above all else, to recognize individual achievements as more important than group achievements, and to think of our own needs first and foremost. Many Western countries tend to be individualist. You can find examples of individualistic societies in the United States, the United Kingdom, Western Europe, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Canada.
Individualism is a philosophical and social concept that emphasizes the importance of the individual over the collective group or state, advocating for personal autonomy, self-reliance, and individual freedom. This doctrine promotes the pursuit of personal goals, desires, and self-fulfillment, often positioning the individual as central to moral, political, and social discussions.
While individualism is often contrasted with collectivism and totalitarianism, it has been associated with both positive and negative connotations throughout history. Critics have linked it to self-absorption and selfishness, while proponents argue that it fosters creativity, personal development, and democratic values.
Individualism, while promoting personal freedom and achievement, can lead to negative consequences like social isolation, increased competition, and a decline in community well-being. Excessive focus on individual success can erode social cohesion, diminish empathy, and create a sense of loneliness and isolation, particularly when individuals lack strong social support networks. Other philosophies that share some principles with individualism are anarchism, existentialism, and classical liberalism
We are going to explore the growth of this “philosophical approach” to living, how do we define individualism, the impact on our culture, the question of whether individualism shapes an ideology, a comparison to collectivism, the pros and cons of being an individualist, and what makes best sense for you in the world in which you are now living and does it have consequences for our country given our current challenges.