Individualism and Capitalism Concepts - Essay Example

Individualism Introduction There are moral situations that are led by ideologies or the outlook of the society that led to the rise of individualism. This means that individualism is worth an individual has in regards to his or her morals. Moreover, individualism has led to the rise of individualists who believe that people should be allowed to obtain their desires and goals. Therefore, self-reliance or independence is birthed. Additionally, the goals or an individual surpass that of a society or the state. This means that external forces do not have the right over the desires or goals of an individual. This includes the government, institutions or the wider society. Logically, the focus of individualism is the individual. This is because the individual is the focus as people try to obtain liberation. Moreover, people have the right to realize themselves and obtain their freedom. It is also logical that individualism is closely associated with one’s lifestyle and behavior that are led by ethics and positions that are philosophical. The world idea seems to appreciate that western civilization has promoted individualism. This is because capitalism promoted individualism as every individual works towards his or her goals in life. However, some people did not seem to agree with this because capitalism did not provide employment to all people. However, people still fought until capitalism was re-introduced. Arguably, this means that even people in Russia believed that capitalism was the best was towards achieving one’s goal. In summary, individualism focuses on an individual and allows him or her to independence, which in the idea has been enhanced through capitalism. Body Section One People have over the time argued on the connection between individualism and capitalism. Ironically, this is an ideology since individualism believes that one is above all else. However, capitalism can be argued to show individualism only from an economic point of view. This is because what one obtains economically belongs to him or her. This is unlike what communism believed in, that what one has belongs to the whole society. Moreover, individualism rose when capitalism was introduced. This is because people were allowed to do what they desire to as long as it did not negatively affect another individual. For example, one can make a decision of what to or not to sell in the market or even what to buy. This means that people were free to make their decisions without external input while in the market setting. Some of the essays also agree with the fact that capitalism contributed to individualism. However, individualism is just an illusion (Fromm 329). This means that individualism will never be fully achieved. Moreover, it presented to people a lifestyle that was categorized into classes. However, some argue that the world will be chaotic as each person seeks self or individual satisfaction. In my own experience, capitalism has given me a sense of independence. This is because while earning my money, I am in control of my life. Therefore, I can buy go, buy or do what I want since I have my financial freedom. On the other hand, I also have my goals that I work hard to attain regardless of the goals that my family and friends have set for their own lives. According to the essays, capitalism has contributed to individualism. However, each one notes that individualism is just an illusion because it does not exist wholly. This is because one cannot be a complete individual due to many factors that ties individual. For instance, the market may seem free, but the financial ability of an individual allows him to buy or not buy certain goods. Moreover, employees have to work in accordance to the terms set by the employees. Consequently, individualism is an illusion. Body Section Two Individualism is about a person, the self. Moreover, the individual has desires, needs and goals that are separate from other persons. Arguably, an individual looks into his or her interest , does also consider that of the society. However, individualism calls for the autonomy of the way individual reasons. On the other hand, individualism is also directed by the emotions of a person in relation to self-interest. Arguably, it is human for one to act in relation to self-interest. Interestingly, the need of an individual is survival and later wants to dominate. Therefore, individualism is about the self. Individualism rises due to the conscious thoughts one has. This is because believe of one’s thoughts helps one feel the desires of the heart (Emerson 1). Therefore, people have been able to attain their goals and move ahead with their lives as individuals. However, the modern day technology does not promote individualism as one is surrounded by radio, air and communication. Moreover, the nationalism killed humanism (Fromm 335). Therefore, more Europeans have learnt to co-exist and live in a brotherly manner. Arguably, too much of individualism could lead to chaos to the world, but many people are more national than individuals within their minds (Fromm 335). I have the freedom to study what I want to in school and not as dictated by my parents. This is in response to the desires I had in my heart and as dictated by my thoughts. This shows that I am free to do that which my heart desires. Therefore, individualism is about the self and not the dictates of the society as one learns to listen to his or her thoughts. Body Section Three Individualism does contribute to capitalism, but one cannot be completely independent. This is because there are other forces that influence the goals and decisions that individual makes. Sadly, capitalism has promoted power and wealth, but at the same time has led to the oppression of some people who are considered the minority within the society. Although individual growth and development is necessary, this seems to be at the expense of some people within the society. Sadly, it is an aspect that individualism seems to ignore. Moreover, the capitalist individualists fail to deliver their promises. This is because capitalism individualism seems to control people hence denies them their free will. On the other hand, religion does not promote individualism (Du Bois 101). This is because does indirectly influence the lifestyle of an individual. This means that one is not very free to do what he or she desires. Interestingly, disobedience was the reason why the human evolved hence obedience would lead to the extinction of humanity (Du Bois 332). This means that people can only move on with their lives when they live as individuals and not as a nation. Unlike Fromm, Du Bois believes that people have emotions that are desires to live as individuals and not as a nation. Therefore, it is not safe in walking through out as a team hence individualism is significant towards development. Moreover, people evolved from small groups towards the world community in sight today. This is evident in the essay where people in the market cannot purchase a commodity because they do not have the financial ability. Additionally, politics, social controls and the economy does not allow one to be independent or get to complete self-realization (Du Bois 120). For instance, the rich become richer while the oppressed are the more oppressed by the capitalistic society. In addition, Hitler advocated for communism because he realized that capitalism only helped some individuals and not the entire society. As an individual, I do not have the power to drive the kind of car I would desire or go to the best schools since my finances restrict me. Therefore, capitalism prohibits my realization. It is all about ambitions and the vision of an individual. This evidences show that individualism through capitalism has its limitations. It has only promoted those whom capitalism has favored, but the rest remain oppressed. Conclusion It is obvious that individualism is an ideology that focuses on an individual and promotes the behavior or character of this individual, mainly as promoted or influenced by capitalism. Works Cited Du Bois, William. Individualism and its discontent, 1997. Print Fromm, Erich. The Individuals in the chain of illusion, 2006. Print Waldo, Ralph. Emerson’s Individualism, 2004. Print Read More