The “individualistic” movement finds a classic expression in the great documents of the French Revolution, which at one stroke did away with all forms of association, leaving, in theory, the bare individual face to face with the state.
Dewey reflects on the impact of individualism as expressed during the French Revolution.
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For the older symbols of ideal life still engage thought and command loyalty.
In short, private acts may be socially valuable both by indirect consequences and by direct intention.
They are reflections into the singular human being of customs and institutions; they are not natural, that is, “native,” organic propensities.
The invasion of the community by the new and relatively impersonal and mechanical modes of combined human behavior is the outstanding fact of modern life.