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.

Collectivism: Article

As Planned Parenthood takes a step ahead, so do opponents

On Friday, PPH President Jill June confirmed that North Platte is still under consideration for a clinic.
"With more than 20,000 residents, it would be wrong to ignore the community," said June. "No definite decisions will be made until we have reached our fundraising goals."

      
     Planned Parenthood president Jill June's statement exemplifies that she believes opening a clinic would be for the benefit of the collective. In my personal opinion, I share her belief. Collectivism makes sure that the greater good of the people would be cared for, and I think that protecting the choices of potentially thousands of families is in the best interest of the group.

"We believe life exceeds a corporate boundary," said Rieker.

     Ed Rieker is also keeping collective goals in mind. However, his goal is to cut funding, and to prevent entirely, the opening of a clinic. He is always referring to "we" as a pronoun rather than "I". He is speaking on behalf of his group, representing their common and combined beliefs, and asking for this to be dealt with in a way that would please all of the members. Collective goals, naturally, may be reached via a consensus of all the members within the group. What most people tend to look over is that the leader still has more say than the collective's consensus.


     He states that "we believe life exceeds a corporate boundary." Which is essentially what collectivist, not-for-profit organizations would say. Life exceeds a corporate boundary.  Life is more than individual profit. 

"The building block of a stable society is the family, and life and families are under assault in our culture," Rieker said. "When we as a nation legitimize the killing of the unborn, we break the bond between the father and the mother and promote promiscuity and irresponsibility. Those things are detrimental to a stable culture."

   In this excerpt taken directly from the article, Rieker's use of "we as a nation" directly translates to "we as a collective." But by collective, he means his collective.

Collectivism: Quotation

"Reaching consensus in a group is often confused with finding the right answer." (Norman Mailer)

"Standardization of our educational systems is apt to stamp out individualism and defeat the very ends of education by leveling the product down rather than up. " (Harvey Cushing)

     To be honest, I had a difficult time narrowing down my choices to just one quote. SO HERE THEY ARE :D ALL THREE OF THEM IN THEIR GLORIOUSLY LARGE FONTS AND ETC. I believe that each of these quotes deserves a write up to follow it, but due to time constraints, my response will be focused on von Hayek's quote:

 "The principle that the end justifies the means is in individualist ethics regarded as the denial of all morals. In collectivist ethics it becomes necessarily the supreme rule." (Frederich August von Hayek)

     Frederich August von Hayek has essentially hit the mark in terms of describing collectivism in under three sentences. He acknowledges that the principle of "the end justifies the means" exists, and he clearly explains what that means to a collectivist and what that means to an individualist.

Collectivism: Image

[Image Description: A man in a business suit looking like he is in need of help sits down in a fashion similar to  someone  in need of a home. A sign beside him reads "Chose to go it alone. Please help." A passerby in similar clothing glances at the man and will either keep on walking or stop and help out.]

     I chose this image because, in a society that heavily values collectivist ideologies, trying to make it alone will get you nowhere. For example, in a communist society where equal distribution of resources is controlled by the government, all citizens are already cared for. If an individual has the basic needs (such as food, shelter, and clothing) already taken care of by the government, what other goal should they be striving for? It's  not like it's possible to advance yourselves in a society where actions should always result in benefiting the greater good. 

     I also picked this image specifically because the sign asks for help. I believe that this image represents collective ideals because, if that were true, the man with the suitcase WOULD stop and help out his fellow man. Or, actually, if the belief was that keeping everyone alive was the best thing for the collective, then the man would stop and lend a hand. However, collective societies usually run on agreement reached by consensus; and consensus doesn't always mean the right choice. If we were to assume that killing off the weakest members of the society would be ideal, then the man would walk right pass the man in need. This image, if you're open to both interpretation, represents how 1) yes, a collectivist society does do things to enhance/ protect the greater good 2) how "collective norms" are reached in a society may not always be the best choice.

Characteristics of Individualism

1. Self Interest
2. Competition
3. Social and Economic Freedom over Social and Economic Equality
   -the freedom to distribute resources however an individual pleases
4. John Locke
5. The society is not responsible for the welfare of it's citizens
6. "The real price of everything, what everything really costs to the man who acquires it, is the toil and trouble of acquiring it." -- Adam Smith
   -individualist ideologies may sometimes also be thought of as an ideology where "every man for himself"

Characteristics of Collectivism

1. Individual Self Interest is Disregarded
2. Social and Economic Equality over Social and Economic Freedom
3. Cooperation
4. Thomas Hobbes
5. The final result is beneficial to the greater good
6. "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs" -- Karl Marx
   -in this way, the needs of every member in the society will be met

Basic Definitions

Collectivism
where individual self interests are set aside and all actions are done in order to achieve a common good


Individualism
actions done in order to advance the individual