Individualism: Article

Particles found to break the speed of light
 

 An international team of scientists said on Thursday they had recorded sub-atomic particles travelling faster than light -- a finding that could overturn one of Einstein's long-accepted fundamental laws of the universe.

I'd like to list the three main reasons why I chose this article:

1. The mention of Albert Einstein and the wondrous world of the physics community
2. The chance to insert this picture of Albert Einstein into this blog
3. How I believe that it ties in perfectly with individualism. Individualism has allowed individuals (and groups of individuals) to pursue self-interests rather than the interests of the state. Although in this example, it can be argued that the group of physicists were only in it for the money and recognition, I believe that they also wanted to satiate their own curious appetite of the natural world --- pushing beyond religion, society, and what has always been taught in school. Individualism is beautiful in the way that it allows people to acquire an interest in something, to nurture it, and to see where it leads. Many advancements in society, such as the printing press and automobiles, have been accessible largely due to the ideology of individualism (that humans are rational, and society will only benefit from individuals working their hardest at what they do best). 

Much science-fiction literature is based on the idea that, if the light-speed barrier can be overcome, time travel might theoretically become possible 

And will ya look at that? Individualistic ideals allowed these fine men and women of the physics world to explore their theories, and provide results that may or may not shatter the underlying foundation of physics as we know it today. During the dark ages-- where the feudal system, absolute rule, and God, were regarded above all else-- any idea that could undermine society was shunned. In fact, "radical" ideas such as even thinking of reaching out beyond God for an explanation was unheard of. Individualism has placed an emphasis on the individual to do what they're best at and, in that way will hopefully advance society for the better. Who wouldn't like to travel back in time (without the consequences of mucking up the future)? Individuals. Freedom. Advancing society.

Individualism: Quotation

"I don't envisage collectivism. There is no such animal, it is always individualism, sometimes the rest vote and sometimes they do not, and if they do they do and if they do not they do not."  (Gertrude Stein)

     I found this quote particularly relevant to every Canadian federal election for the past few years. The media has reported the number of voters who actually participate in this process is dropping faster and faster every year. I chose this quote because, in my opinion, Gertrude Stein understands that individualism encourages members of the society that wish to vote, to vote; and allows the less willing (and/or the ignorant) to not vote if they so choose. In this way, the individuals who do vote are probably well aware of their own values and ideologies, and are well informed so that their vote is the most representative of who they are, and what they wish the future would hold. This quote is also pleasant as it addresses individual freedoms as well; the freedom to participate if that's the individual choice. Making certain things, such as voting, compulsory may increase the number of voters at the polls; but will also increase misinformed, on the spur choices as a result. If that were the case, the intention may not result in the best outcomes. Therefore, in the same scenario, allowing individuals the right to choose whether or not they would participate is benefiting the society more than taking away that right (and thus making it compulsory) would.

Individualism: Image

[Image Description: a woman and two men are climbing up separate ladders. The woman and the man on the right are having no trouble climbing up their respective ladders. The man in the middle, whose ladder looks worn out and unprofessionally repaired, is struggling to stay on the ladder. The caption under reads, "Ladder of Success."]

     A characteristic of individualism is self reliance and competition. I chose this image because it showcases how individuals must make do with their own abilities in order to get ahead (or reach success) in an indivdiualistic society. For example, we can infer that the ladder represents a myriad of things: social status, familiy upraising, one's talent and skills, and open opportunities. Individualists place a hefty amount of value on the individual's ability to achieve success, however, I intepret this comic as, no matter how much of the above you have, some times you just run out of luck or opportunities (hence, the ladder breaking). The fact that none of the people beside the man in the middle are lending a hand shows that, in the world of individualism, it really is every person for themselves.