Epiphany

[kalibex]

It's not about being either an Individual or part of a Group - it's not a black/white, either/or choice.

It's about learning to shift gracefully between 'modes'.

As part of a Group, at times we will change our personal 'theories' and as a result modify our behavior thereof, as we search for and find 'common preference' with the rest of the group members.

At other times, our 'Individualism' comes into play most (appropriately) when we realize membership in a specific group goes against our current Values - ie, conflicts with what is currently important to us, what we're into; what we're about.

That's not to imply that there's only 'one way' to be, either. You are where you are...at any given time.

And we each, of course, belong to many different 'Groups' at any one time.

The interpersonal Friction that many of us dislike so much is, in the end, us coming to 'know ourselves'.

Comments

[warinbabylon.livejournal.com]

The existence of individualism and group socialism is shades of gray on a long scale between the black and white. It's a sliding measurement and it is the changing of modes, as you say. :D

At least that was my thought when I read this.

Iniach

[(Anonymous)]

There is a better answer: Change the group to your way of thinking. Make them conform, not you.