The relationship between the individual and the collective from "summary" of The World as Will and Presentation by Arthur Schopenhauer,David Carus,Richard E. Aquila
The individual is an entity that exists in the world as a separate and distinct being, endowed with its own will and desires. This individuality is what shapes the unique experience of each person, guiding their actions and decisions in the world. However, the individual is not isolated from the world around them; rather, they are constantly interacting with the collective, which encompasses society as a whole. The collective represents the shared experiences, beliefs, and values of a group of individuals who come together to form a community. This collective identity shapes the norms and expectations that govern social interactions and relationships. While the individual is guided by their own will, they are also influenced by the collective consciousness that surrounds them. The relationship between the individual and the collective is a complex interplay of autonomy and conformity. On the one hand, the individual seeks to assert their own will and express their unique identity in the world. This drive for self-expression and independence is what sets the individual apart from the collective and gives them a sense of agency in the world. On the other hand, the individual is also shaped by the collective forces that exert pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. This pressure to conform can sometimes conflict with the individual's own desires and values, leading to a tension between autonomy and conformity. In this way, the individual must navigate the delicate balance between asserting their own will and adapting to the demands of the collective.- The relationship between the individual and the collective is a dynamic and ever-changing process that shapes the experience of each person in the world. By understanding this complex interplay of autonomy and conformity, we can gain insight into the ways in which individuals navigate their place in society and assert their own unique identity amidst the collective forces that shape our world.
