In America, there is a mindset that everything needs to be done by oneself. For some reason, we disqualify actions that required assistance from being considered successes. We value personal achievements over the pursuit of a greater good and the betterment of society as a whole. Our greed and shortsightedness take control and we ask, opposite of Kennedy’s famous request, what our country can do for us and not what we can do for our country. Of course, the term “country” can be substituted with many other factions, and on a broader scale simply with “society.”
On many levels, this need to approach life alone is a demented interpretation of the “American Dream” and capitalism as a whole. Society has taught us that to achieve success (read: wealth) and happiness (read: wealth) we must constantly work in attempt to be better than the next guy (or girl.) Unfortunately, this sort of search for perfection often leads to disappointment. Material wealth isn’t, and has never been, all that it’s cracked up to be, especially at the cost of social and familial relationships. Humans, like other mammals, are social creatures and draw a sense of purpose from relationship. The constant pursuit of gains places tension on those relationships and forces the pursuer into isolation as fears of losses close in.
Supporting oneself independent of others may appear to be the responsible and correct thing to do, however it is a low efficiency model. An applicable comparison is to contrast the productivity of an assembly line worker with that of a skilled worker. Yes, the skilled worker can finish a product all by himself. The assembly line worker, however, by doing his small part in a larger process, finds a shared output greater than the combined output of individuals working separately. The wealth of skill and knowledge in a group always wins out over an individual. By choosing to work together instead of stubbornly going one's own way, a person can find much more meaning and success in their work, even by doing just a small part.
The consequence of this, as many would be keen to point out, is that one can easily become a cog in the wheel of a massive system, ceasing to think for himself. However, a strong person, with good character, can succeed in a group without dominating or being dominated. They can demonstrate compassion without being taken advantage of, and aid to those who are in need. This is the true American dream, working together to achieve a common good and further society as a whole, bringing gains to oneself as they are brought to the rest of society.
What do you think? Am I nuts? Did I overlook something? Agree or disagree, I'd love to hear what you think in the comments, my only request is to maintain a sense of civility.
Note: This article has been, and will continue to be, edited for clarity and thoroughness. My blog and opinions are constantly evolving based on new information and my perspective at the time of writing, and to the fullest extent of my ability are revised accordingly.
