Horatio Alger
self reliance
Liberty, Equality, Democracy, Individualism, Unity and Diversity
Alexis de Tocqueville, in his book "Democracy in America," outlined five main themes: the idea of equality, the "tyranny of the majority," the individualism of American society, the role of civil society, and the concept of American exceptionalism.
Individualism can contribute to the decline of a society when people are only concerned about their own welfare rather than the welfare of the society as a whole. Many times, selfishness and greed are contributing factors.
The definition of individualism is a belief that the needs of each person are more important than the needs of the entire group or society. It is when a person does something without any concern for what others will think.
Individualism
An emphasis on individualism would be most likely to be found in the United States. This is because American society values personal achievement, independence, and self-reliance, often encouraging individuals to pursue their own goals and aspirations.
Collectivism doesn't not blend with Individualism they are complete opposites. The only people that experience Individualism in a Collectivist society are the elite leaders like Hitler, Stalin and other dictators.
Henry David Thoreau's writing reflects American society through his themes of individualism, self-reliance, and the connection to nature. His work often explores the tension between societal expectations and personal freedom, which was a prevalent concern in American society during his time. Thoreau's emphasis on simplicity and living deliberately also resonated with the American ideals of independence and anti-conformity.
Cancer in the body can be thought of as analagous to individualism in a society or more accurately where the interests of the individual are giving precedence to the needs of the society as a whole. This can continue to an extent where the progress of the individual (or a cancer cell) is achieved at the cost of the the general well being of the society (or the body) which is ultimately pointless.
The idea of individualism emphasizes the importance of personal freedom, self-reliance, and independence. It promotes the rights and worth of the individual over the collective group or society. Individualism values individual rights, creativity, and self-expression.
Robin M. Williams, Jr., identified the twelve underlying core values of American society, which include achievement and success, individualism, efficiency and practicality, progress, material comfort, equality, freedom, democracy, patriotism, diversity, education, and religiosity.