Individualism

:For other uses, see Egoism (disambiguation).

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Individualism is a political and social philosophy, which emphasizes individual liberty, belief in the primary importance of the individual, and in the "virtues of self-reliance" and "personal independence". "Individualism" embraces opposition to authority (except for other individualists, which are worshipped as "heroes"), and to all manner of controls over the individual, especially when exercised by the political state or "society". It is thus, directly-opposed to "collectivism", but it can exist in a community where individuals respect other individuals. It may derive from a belief in "solipsism", and is often confused with "ego-ism". At heart, it may be simplified as, "minding one's business," which is opposed by the traditional belief in society, that "if one part is sick; then society itself is not well" (which necessitates intrusion).

Related Topics:
Liberty - Individual - Authority - State - Society - Collectivism - Community - Solipsism - Ego-ism

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