Thus “individualism” was born, a theory which endowed singular persons in isolation from any associations, except those which they deliberately formed for their own ends, with native or natural rights.
John Dewey: “Thus “individualism” was born, a theory which endowed singular persons in isolation from any associations, except those…”
Editor's note · Context
Dewey describes the emergence of individualism as a theory that emphasizes the rights of isolated individuals.
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Systematic and continuous inquiry into all the conditions which affect association and their dissemination in print is a precondition of the creation of a true public.
Ideas which are not communicated, shared, and reborn in expression are but soliloquy, and soliloquy is but broken and imperfect thought.
Publication is partial and the public which results is partially informed and formed until the meanings it purveys pass from mouth to mouth.
Competition will continue, but it will be less rivalry for acquisition of material goods, and more an emulation of local groups to enrich direct experience with appreciatively enjoyed intellectual and artistic wealth.