The Radical Priority of the Individual

Individualism is not just a personal preference but a philosophy that insists the human individual outweighs the power of the state. It treats the self as the primary unit of society, prioritizing personal goals over collective interests.

This perspective fundamentally shifts the focus of governance and social structures to protect the rights of a single person. By emphasizing self-reliance and independence, it views society as a voluntary collection of individuals rather than a single unified entity. Such ideas often challenge institutional authority by arguing that personal liberty is the starting point for any fair society. It is the core concept behind many modern civil rights and free market theories.