Kane, Whit

Mr. King
English I
19 December 2016
Individualism: The Key to Bettering Yourself
Human beings are by nature distinct, separate beings, each with his own body and his
own faculties necessary to his own existence. - Frederick Douglass (Biddle). To have complete
power of life, he or she must not be tied down to society. They must sacrifice their social image
to be completely different and unique from everyone else. Individualism is the habit or principle
of being independent or self reliant (Webster). Collectivism is the complete opposite; it states
that him or her must do everything to please society and are not trying to benefit their life but
only society. The people in power now did not reach the position they are in now by living life to
please everyone else. They did what others didn't to be successful. Focusing on becoming better
as person is more important than just pleasing society.
Collectivism leads to regrets; with that in mind, collectivism would limit opportunities to
better his or hers life. Take the time to think about being connected physically and literally with
a group of people. Somebody might want to go to the movies but the others want to go out to eat.
That leaves the group undecided and nobody is pleased; with individualism, all are options are
open to separate from the group.
Collectivism controls; being tied down and feeling obligated to please society is
collectivism. Collectivism in many ways can be compared to a dictatorship; society is the
dictator and he or she has no freedom to make their own decisions but must make his or her

decisions based on the greater good of the group. Also the group is top priority at all times no
matter what (Shull).
Individualism allows that person to focus on his or herself more than anything else. This
nation is an example of individualism and clearly it has worked. Collectivism would lead to
downfall in any society. Ones trust is always put on someone else; that is very stressful to think
about. He or she doesn't have to worry about watching someone else's back; no stress is put on
anyone.
On a macro scale, its clear that the universe thrives on individuality. There are no two
galaxies alike; no two solar systems alike; no two planets alike; no two suns alike. (Ringer).
There is no one body on earth that is the same so why should he or she not focus on themselves.
If you think about it, logically do you live life for yourself or other people? Think about that and
then think about all the benefits from individualism.

Work Cited
1. Webster, Merriam. "Individualism." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 20
December 2016.
2. Biddle, Craig. "Individualism vs. Collectivism: Our Future, Our Choice - The Objective
Standard." The Objective Standard. Objective Standard, n.d. Web. 20 Dec. 2016.
3. Shull, Bryce. "Collectivism vs Dictatorship." Prezi.com. Bryce Shull Prezi, 21 May 2013.
Web. 21 Dec. 2016.
4. Ringer, Robert. "The Uncanny Benefits of Individualism." Palm Beach Research Group. J.
Reeves, 12 May 2015. Web. 12 Jan. 2017.--*-