Individuality and the Polarisation of Intellect: A Western Perspective
Doc Who | 06.07.2006 18:04 | Analysis
From a Western perspective the individual is the most important unit of society. This is in stark contrast to traditional Eastern societies where one can witness the group holding sway over any notion of individualism. Of course though even this fundamental tenet is beginning to be eroded in the face of crushing globalised trends. I think this would be a mistake though. As China and India continue to climb the greasy pole of ‘progress’ they would be wise to look to the West and notice the ills of individualism, out-of-control materialism and associated polarisation not just in terms of wealth but more importantly in terms of intellectual capacity.
That is, assuming that the ‘knowledge economies’ flourish and continue to dominant the productivity landscape of this century then obviously those that have been able to secure a good schooling for their children – through amassed material or intellectual wealth – will continue to increasingly (possibly in exponential terms) be the key players in society whereas those of less fortunate circumstances will find themselves pushed even more to the fringes of ‘society’. This is of course assuming that individualism becomes the dominant global model which all inhabitants of our planet strive for. Aside from this increasing polarisation there are other more obvious disadvantages of the individual perspective. These may most importantly include global warming.
Societies are complex by nature. No one will ever know the best way to organise them. As East does meet West I believe we’d be wise to share and assimilate aspects of each other’s culture. And the same goes for North and South when that battle also reaches a tipping point. Only by maintaining an open mind can we integrate in a sustainable and stable manner.
Doc Who