Individualism: Lost or Found?

In today's fast paced world, we oftentimes seem to have lost our way. We have become preoccupied with scurrying about and spending the majority of our daily lives interfacing with a myriad of electronic communication implements. When did we stop paying attention to the importance of developing social bonds? Will our fascination with technology alter the fabric of our communities? Has the identity of the individual become obscured by the accoutrement of communication devices hanging from their clothing? Nobody can know the answer to these questions however, I believe that the search for happiness lies within oneself. The battle between external influences and internal aspirations is nothing new. It has been ongoing since man began to think. Philosophers from the 1840's dealt with these same issues. Two of the more preeminent thinkers were, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Both men challenged the populace to search within themselves and to leave their fascination with scurrying about behind.

Emerson's Self Reliance and Thoreau's Civil Disobedience remain relevant today. Both essays challenge the individual to stand alone and be responsible for his own actions. In their opinion, strong, well balanced individuals serve as the building blocks for viable communities.

Emerson challenged us to think anew. I find two passages from Self Reliance to be especially salient in today's world. The two passages are: "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist. He who would gather immortal palms must not be hindered by the name of goodness, but must explore if it be goodness. Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind." and, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."

Thoreau did likewise. His thoughts from Civil Disobedience are too numerous to mention in a short essay. Two passages relevant for me are: "There are nine hundred and ninety-nine patrons of virtue to one virtuous man." and, "O for a man who is a man, and, as my neighbor says, has a bone in his back which you cannot pass your hand through!"

I wouldn't dare to presuppose that I could answer the questions which arise from these four passages however, I do propose that the challenge issued by these two great thinkers is a challenge worthy of acceptance. The search to discover who and what you were, who you presently are and, what or who you will become is the very essence of life. It is a difficult path full of pitfalls and missteps however, I believe it is one worthy of the adventure. The key to this adventure is the fact that it is a never ending journey. Let the journey begin!

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