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Rugged individualism is a term that refers to the belief in the importance of self-reliance, personal independence, and minimal government intervention. It emphasizes that individuals should take responsibility for their own lives, work hard to achieve their goals, and solve their problems on their own rather than relying on society, government, or external support.

The phrase is often associated with American cultural values, particularly the idea of individual freedom and the pioneering spirit. It gained prominence in U.S. political discourse during the presidency of Herbert Hoover in the 1920s, who used it to describe his philosophy of limited government and self-sufficiency in times of economic hardship.

While rugged individualism is celebrated as a virtue by many, it is also critiqued for overlooking the importance of community support systems and the ways in which systemic issues can limit individual opportunities.

A self-made man refers to someone who achieves success and wealth through their own efforts, hard work, and determination, rather than relying on inheritance, family wealth, or external advantages.

The concept embodies the idea of self-reliance and personal ambition, aligning closely with values like rugged individualism and the belief that anyone, regardless of their starting point, can succeed if they are willing to put in the effort and overcome challenges.

The phrase “pulling oneself up by their own bootstraps” is a metaphor for achieving success or overcoming adversity through one’s own effort, determination, and resources, without relying on help from others. It implies an individual taking initiative, solving their own problems, and becoming self-reliant, much like the idea of a self-made man or rugged individualism.

Well, these may serve a portion of our lives, it also critically limits an individual to their own abilities, their own knowledge, experience, and world view.

Undervaluing Cooperation and Community Support

Interdependence: Humans are social creatures, and many of our most significant achievements are not purely individual. Success in most fields—whether in business, education, or social change—often requires collaboration, mentorship, and networking. The myth of the lone, self-made individual can obscure the important role that community, teamwork, and external support (family, friends, colleagues, etc.) play in achieving success.

Collective Prosperity: Society functions best when people work together and support each other, through mechanisms like social services, public education, healthcare, and economic policies that reduce inequality. Emphasizing individualism over collective well-being can lead to a lack of investment in public goods and systems that would benefit everyone.

The power of community: provides support, identity, connection, insight, understanding, perspective, awareness, diversity.

Genesis 2:18 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

Hebrews 10:25 Do not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Jesus spoke to crowds, but had 12 close friends… and even 3 of them in his inner circle.

Paul’s image of the body: Where each part supports and cares for the others… When one part hurts, the whole structure hurts along with it, speaks of the powerful recognition of interdependence and connection.

James Surowiecki’s “The Wisdom of Crowds”

Collective Intelligence: The main argument of “The Wisdom of Crowds” is that groups of people can be incredibly effective at solving problems and making decisions when they meet the criteria of diversity, independence, and proper aggregation.

Human Collaboration: While individual decision-makers can be prone to biases and errors, the collective input of many people can help counteract these biases and lead to better outcomes.

Crowds Are Not Infallible: While the wisdom of crowds is powerful, it depends on the right conditions, and crowds can sometimes go astray due to groupthink, herding behavior, or poor aggregation mechanisms.

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, where the desire for harmony or conformity in the group leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. In a groupthink situation, members may suppress their personal opinions, avoid conflict, and prioritize consensus over critical thinking or considering alternative viewpoints.

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Herding behavior refers to the tendency of individuals to mimic the actions or decisions of a larger group, often in a way that overrides personal judgment. herding behavior is evident, especially in markets, social movements, or decision-making processes.

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