We’re Individuals, Living in a Collective Society

With that, comes both rights and responsibilities

Like you, I’ve been following the debates on social media about wearing masks and getting vaccinated. Most people have a clearly defined opinion about what’s right for them, many also have a clear opinion about what’s right for others too.

One theme keeps cropping up in this heated debate. What’s more important? Individual freedom or collective care? Being able to make our own choices or pitching in together for the greater good?

COVID is just one example of how humans engage in dualistic thinking. We could just as easily highlight religion, politics, climate change or economics. In any conversation, there are some who believe in rugged individualism and some who believe in making choices on behalf of the group.

Freedom is touted and shouted by those who wish to assert autonomy. It begins with, I’m not going to let anyone take away my freedom and ends with you can’t make me do X, Y, or Z.

As a person who frequently questions existing systems, structures and authority, I get it. We shouldn’t offer blind loyalty to anyone and we must speak up for our individual rights and needs.