society vs individual - Page 2

Originally posted by: Angel-likeDevil

What I was trying to get at is whether individuality should always have priority over social norms and what could be the consequences of either .

Zorro, very few people these days have an individuality of their own... especially this generation :P

OK, see, I think everyone must give himself or herself utmost priotity. Because, when you face a problem or when your life has lows and rough patches, neither the society nor will your friends will be there for you, society toh door ki baat hai...you'd be fortunate if your mother father are with you during your low times. I believe it's essential to have an individuality not only because this world is insecure, because, you were born as you, you have a brain of your own, a heart of your own...so make good use of them and give yourself some respect :) If you dont have your own thinking and individuality, the society will play with your life, make you think the way it wants, make you do what it wants... it's pitiful! I believe in giving myself some dignity than be arsed around by the society :)

But... one cannot ignore the fact that he's living in a society. It'd be sort of impractical to say "do whatever you want and live life on your own terms" .. . When you are living in a society, when some things are unavoidable... accept them, accept them with grace. There are definately certain things like greeting elders, or maintaining a civil code as a citizen of India, abiding by the rules as a citizen, living a systematic life... which are unavoidable. But, if one has an individuality, he'll be open to learning things from the society too.

I think one must protect his individuality and at the same time must not turn out to be a rebellion. Rebellious and confronting nature looks like some sort of frustration. I believe in having an individuality and standing by it. At the same time, obey some unavoidable guidelines set by the society.. but, it cannot kill my individuality.

Actually, individuality is more deeper.. societal norms(like socialising, marriage, etc etc) are very superficial, have little impact on your life, and as a person you really are. Individuality is more to do with you and yourself. If you abandon your individuality, you'll never have a good satisfactory life, you might be a very likeable as per societal standards but, there'll be something hollow within you and you will never live life happily. if you abandon the societal norms you still will be very happy and will grow as a person.. sure people might see you as an outcast, but how does it matter? They will get used to you over a period of time, they might joke about you on your back or on your face, they might confront you questioning your 'arrogance' ...it's all their headache. You cannot go on bothering about everyone's cheap garrulous talk. But, is anyone that strong enough to have an individuality? Very few people... very very very few people. Everyone wants to fit in... and be 'likeable'.

EDIT : Having an individuality also shows how serious one is about his life in general. Take any person, he's true and real in whatever he does. Never does anything just for the sake of doing :)

Originally posted by: Savage

I dunno any culture to be individualistic. Do illuminate me if I am missing out on something. Each and every culture is devised under eons of collective influences you know?

For example, if I refuse to abide by certain restrictions my society puts me under, I am simply doing that because I find the scrutiny really claustrophobic and unnecessary. So this personally unfit culture influences me to focus more on being myself rather than being a minuscule and unnoticeable morsel of a useless social system. Do I make, yeah? 🤔

Originally posted by: zorrro

Some cultures are more individualistic than others. They believe more in the individual freedom and rights whereas cultures that believe in collectivism are more into harmony and greater good of the society as against an individual's personal preference. too much of either could be bad .

Originally posted by: zorrro

Some cultures are predominantly collective in their thinking whereas others are more individualistic with I , me, myself notions predominating.

What are the merits and demerits of each?

Originally posted by: zorrro

Wow that was one long reply ---

Is it natural to express individuality? Is it exclusive to human beings?

Other creatures appear to behave more harmoniously with each other. Could it be because they are less developed than humans---

Originally posted by: Angel-likeDevil

What I was trying to get at is whether individuality should always have priority over social norms and what could be the consequences of either .

Zorro, very few people these days have an individuality of their own... especially this generation :P

OK, see, I think everyone must give himself or herself utmost priotity. Because, when you face a problem or when your life has lows and rough patches, neither the society nor will your friends will be there for you, society toh door ki baat hai...you'd be fortunate if your mother father are with you during your low times. I believe it's essential to have an individuality not only because this world is insecure, because, you were born as you, you have a brain of your own, a heart of your own...so make good use of them and give yourself some respect :) If you dont have your own thinking and individuality, the society will play with your life, make you think the way it wants, make you do what it wants... it's pitiful! I believe in giving myself some dignity than be arsed around by the society :)

But... one cannot ignore the fact that he's living in a society. It'd be sort of impractical to say "do whatever you want and live life on your own terms" .. . When you are living in a society, when some things are unavoidable... accept them, accept them with grace. There are definately certain things like greeting elders, or maintaining a civil code as a citizen of India, abiding by the rules as a citizen, living a systematic life... which are unavoidable. But, if one has an individuality, he'll be open to learning things from the society too.

I think one must protect his individuality and at the same time must not turn out to be a rebellion. Rebellious and confronting nature looks like some sort of frustration. I believe in having an individuality and standing by it. At the same time, obey some unavoidable guidelines set by the society.. but, it cannot kill my individuality.

Actually, individuality is more deeper.. societal norms(like socialising, marriage, etc etc) are very superficial, have little impact on your life, and as a person you really are. Individuality is more to do with you and yourself. If you abandon your individuality, you'll never have a good satisfactory life, you might be a very likeable as per societal standards but, there'll be something hollow within you and you will never live life happily. if you abandon the societal norms you still will be very happy and will grow as a person.. sure people might see you as an outcast, but how does it matter? They will get used to you over a period of time, they might joke about you on your back or on your face, they might confront you questioning your 'arrogance' ...it's all their headache. You cannot go on bothering about everyone's cheap garrulous talk. But, is anyone that strong enough to have an individuality? Very few people... very very very few people. Everyone wants to fit in... and be 'likeable'.

EDIT : Having an individuality also shows how serious one is about his life in general. Take any person, he's true and real in whatever he does. Never does anything just for the sake of doing :)

Originally posted by: King-Anu

I understand the point you are trying to make but I want to make three comments

1) When we are born, our parents have following select options

a-put us on a mandir/masjid/church stairs

b-put us in a trash can

c-send us to jungle

d-place in a basket and afloat it in river

e-sent us to ashram/day care etc

f- keep us with themselves

We can doubt friends, society but I think it is safe to say parents are with us in our lows.

2) Individuality in itself means something in a society. It is not at odds with it. Yes you are born with a brain and a heart but you grow and learn with help of others in society and it is they who make you what you are. They are the reason I am here writing this message and not doing a dance act in a jungle wearing some straw made attire.

3) In conclusion, you are giving too much importance to individuality and at the same time taking a narrow view of society. Our individuality is shaped/created with help by society and it is meaningless without society.

Thank You!

Originally posted by: Angel-likeDevil

#1 -- I never considered parents part of the society! They are the reason I am... I'm sorry if I gave out a wrong message, but I dont consider my parents part of the society at all. They would stand by me if the whole society went against me, or if I did something wrong myself, they'd still warmly hug me after an episode of lecture. But King , not all parents are with their children. Some kids are unfortunate like that..

#2 & 3 --- Totally agree with you :) nicely said... and thankYOU. :)