I saw a comment recently regarding Collectivism and Individualism. I am no expert on philosophy or politics. I am a physiologist, after all. I would argue that neither Collectivism nor Individualism is superior. Indeed, both have their limitations. I do tend to favor individualism, however, because I personally don’t believe that Collectivism has the capacity to better society. In my opinion, Collectivism perpetuates divisiveness and serves those in power above the group. Collectivism, while it proposes to serve the whole, in reality serves the majority alone, i.e., it serves those with the power to determine what is “best for the group”. I will leave it to the experts to more adequately define these opposing views. Instead, I would propose what I would call “Universalism”.
The problems with our society are not political or economic. Our problems are Spiritual—they are a tragedy in the commons. Individualism and Collectivism, in the purest sense, are not Spiritual—they don’t consider that there is something greater than self (or, in the case of Collectivism, the collective). Universalism, rather, seeks a greater good—beyond self and beyond group. Universalism is diversity in its purest sense. It recognizes individual differences and the uniqueness of Purpose. It recognizes the interconnectedness among all things.
The comments that prompted these thoughts centered on COVID-19 and the necessity for the individual to suffer “minor inconvenience… in order to protect their neighbors.” I get this, but it is a question of who gets to impose what and what is imposed. COVID-19 is a great example for the call for Universalism over Individualism or Collectivism. The “Collective”, in my frank opinion, has done a poor job of regulating. Decisions have tended to be political. The individual, on the other hand, has also contributed to the spread of the virus by demanding his/her “rights”. As one who leans toward libertarian, I tend to think it the right of the individual to decide what is best for him/herself—provided he/she consider the welfare of others. Universalism, I propose, considers the individual and the whole of the Universe.
Universalism can be summed up quite simply as “love your neighbor as yourself”.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!