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The True Concept of Individualism
Joseph Arre
Class of 2008, University of Baguio
B.S in Nursing
Based on ideology, individualism is a philosophical belief about individual worth. People who practice
individualism are the ones who fully exercise their desires and independence. They achieve their goals through
purely self-reliance, without the help of anyone. In most books, individualism is deeply associated with total
freedom, without the aid of the society. The idea of individualism has been made synonymous to bohemian
interest and towards self independence.
Today, individualism can be seen in every aspect of life. People are led to believe that individualistic people are
built for success. Hence, entrepreneur magazines often depict young rich tycoons who have established their
own business by their own means. Some think that an individualist is a person who serves his own without any
consideration to the welfare of the public. Some even claim that the notion of being an individualist is to
become a selfish, egotistical individual without sympathy or humanity. Yet in truth, individualism is not at all
based on pure autonomy but as a pursuit for one’s true independence.
Yes, it is true that individualism plays a crucial role in success yet it is not entirely the case with world history.
Without the help of Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison would not have been able to make an impact in the world of
electricity. The first computer was actually based on several units which were created by several individuals.
Many millionaires created their empire through the ideas of others. In reality, the people that we thought were
inventors were actually marketers, trying to sell other’s inventions to the public. Without the acceptance of the
public, their inventions would not be marketable. Therefore, they did not have the individualistic philosophy
yet they have the determination and the drive for success.
The true concept of individualism is not about selfishness or self-gratification but it is about one’s freedom
from dependence. It is the drive which allows us to stand-up without the help of others. True individualism is
the freedom against the constraints made by the public. It is to live for oneself without the need for servitude.
It is to work for oneself and succeed without asking for help or pity. It is not about greed and immorality.
Yet, even though there is the concept of individualism we should also learn to balance its nature with
utilitarianism. We should learn that we also need the help of others in order to succeed and we should also
think about the rights of others. By practicing the individualistic ideology and by respecting the worth of others,
we will be able to truly succeed. We will be able to gain the respect of the public and we will be able to help
not only ourselves but also others.
Questions:
1)
Today, people believe that individualism is synonymous to?
2)
What is true individualism?
3)
Why should we also consider the right of others?
4)
Who are Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison?
5)
What will we gain if we help out others?