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.

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.