There are two primary definitions of individualism:
One is the habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant. The second is a social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.
Being indoctrinated about freedom in America via the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution, the penchant for self-determination and self-reliance is firm.
Next, come the caveats.
"Two or more people are always better than individuals for solving problems, finishing off complex tasks, and increasing creativity. Working in teams increases collaboration and allows for brainstorming. More ideas are developed, and productivity improves."*
Fair-minded and reasonable people know that democratic governance works best as a form in which to promote the benefits of individualism and essential teamwork in a productive society.
I advocate that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its thirty articles are an excellent place to begin as the UDHR is a product of global teamwork.
The nations and people who are outliers to accepting the UDHR are contrary to the overall good for everyone. Some people chip away at the UDHR by attacking women and people of different races and sexual orientations. That is simply unacceptable and, correctly, illegal.
Americans have struggled to accept their Constitutional protections throughout the nation's history. That must stop without further tolerance. The government must set the example in meeting the standard of the UDHR.
America is confronting seditionists and insurrectionists who fail to uphold these values and standards. They are no less than the enemies of the free world. Their behavior is no different than that of the Taliban or other societies that fail to accept the UDHR.
Self-sustainment and individual pursuit of thought and invention are not enemies. Enemies are those that fail to protect the foundation of Human Rights for everyone.
Well spoken, James.
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