What's more potentially destructive - the need to belong or the need to be individual?

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Destructive to society, I mean. Individual individuals don't concern me.

― dave q, Wednesday, 5 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

belong=nuremburg rallies
alone = Unabomber

― anthony, Wednesday, 5 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

Small groups = the SLA. We all gonna die.

― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 5 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

the need to belong is more destructive. But I'm kinda Jungain still...giggle!

― Mike Hanle y, Wednesday, 5 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

Both can emphasise warped, dangerous notions if unchecked. The introspection of prejudiced, insular groups appears to produce the same bigoted, intollerant or dangerous dispositions that are often attributed to loners. Reinforce them, even.

Healthy, good-humoured debate with a diverse pool of people you respect is best all round. That's what I say.

― Magnus, Wednesday, 5 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

one year passes...

you are stuck in 'society'. get over it.

― Julio Desouza (jdesouza), Sunday, 1 June 2003 12:37 (twenty-two years ago)

the need to be individual easy

― James Blount (James Blount), Sunday, 1 June 2003 12:39 (twenty-two years ago)

The need to belong, as far as I'm concerned, because people downplay problems or refuse to acknowledge them for fear of what others around them would think. An individual can only do so much damage without taking advantage of others' need to belong.

― Kerry (dymaxia), Sunday, 1 June 2003 14:09 (twenty-two years ago)

Plus, what passes for "individualism" is very often about the "need to belong" when it involves courting the esteem of others and improving one's "status".

― Kerry (dymaxia), Sunday, 1 June 2003 14:12 (twenty-two years ago)

the need to be an individual, because when it becomes unhealthy it's a lot harder to rationalize out of

― Maria (Maria), Sunday, 1 June 2003 14:17 (twenty-two years ago)

The need to be individual is more potentially destructive to society, because so much of society is run in a way that absolutely relies on a predominant sheep mentality. If everyone made a big deal about their individuality and their right to do their own thing, society would grind to a halt.

On a personal level, I think either can be equally destructive. Just to be really weird, I have both.

― ChristineSH (chrissie1068), Sunday, 1 June 2003 14:22 (twenty-two years ago)

neither in themselves, botched attempts to reconcile the two is probably yr best bet

― DG (D_To_The_G), Sunday, 1 June 2003 14:26 (twenty-two years ago)

you are stuck in 'society'. get over it.

That's the Sermon on the Mount boiled down to eight words.

― Sommermute (Wintermute), Monday, 2 June 2003 07:23 (twenty-two years ago)

Individual Me: Society can really basically fuck off, since it's an artificial construction built upon lies and reliant on most people's inherent stupidity.

Conformist Me: B-b-but... I want to be loved and accepted and feel like a part of something! *sob*

Oh well...

― ChristineSH (chrissie1068), Monday, 2 June 2003 13:17 (twenty-two years ago)

I agree with Christine, the spectacular tussle between the two ensures that SOCIETY or whatever remains solid and steadfast and secure and any destruction wrought is on myself. Only, not particularly.

The consequent realisation that I Can Control This to some extent is pleasing, I'm don't really have time to go round bringing down SOCIETY at the moment anyway.

― Alex in Rotherham (Alex in Doncaster), Monday, 2 June 2003 13:32 (twenty-two years ago)

That was drivel; also "I'm don't", apologies.

― Alex in Rotherham (Alex in Doncaster), Monday, 2 June 2003 13:33 (twenty-two years ago)

The Prisoner - Classic or Dud?

― Alan (Alan), Monday, 2 June 2003 13:34 (twenty-two years ago)

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