Commentary: Mill's "Of Individuality"

http://philo218sum2012.blogspot.com/2012/07/mills-of-individuality.html

Why does society not support the development of individuality?

           

            Our society seems to encourage the development of the individual, on paper at least. We have freedoms of speech, religion, etc, that protect the right for us to follow our own paths and ideas. However, it is very different in actuality. There are many norms that people are expected to follow in order to be considered a productive member of society. For example, we are all taught that we should get an education, obtain a well-paying job and then settle down in a nice house and have two kids. This path to “success” is somewhat flexible but it cannot possibly satisfy each individual’s wants. Many people wish to pursue a career in fields such as music, art, writing, etc, but end up pursuing more traditional, stable careers because of family pressure and the promise of financial stability. Societal norms also affect everyday expressions of individuality. A person who acts or dresses differently is looked upon as eccentric rather than as a person who is maintaining their individuality.

           

            It seems clear to me that society does not foster individuality, for the most part. The pressures to conform to a standard are implicit and subtle, yet in some respects custom carries more weight than any explicit law our governments pass. Is it to the advantage of society as a whole that we are not “too” individualistic? Some people would probably say yes. If individuals go by the book and don’t do anything unexpected, society will not suffer any unpleasant surprises and life and its daily operations will continue to run smoothly. However, the basis of our society is dependent on individuality. As stated in the fourth premise, “genius can only breathe freely in an atmosphere of freedom” (Mills 62). Many of our scientific advancements, as well as the fundamental principles of the American government, are due to brilliant and/or daring acts of individuality. Social and political revolutions are driven by the demand to express one’s own individuality.

            
             So why do these pressures to conform to a convention still exist so powerfully? It is not the work of some powerful, malevolent group that pulls the strings of our society. I believe each individual is to blame. Custom is only kept in place because we allow it to remain there. Part of it is because we are afraid to go against the grain for fear of being ostracized. However, I think that the main reason is that expressing individuality is a scary thought in many ways. It is not pleasant to think that we have to forge our own unique path, relying almost exclusively upon ourselves. It is very easy to be lured by the simplicity and comfort of following an established set of rules. While it certainly requires less suffering and thought to do so, it can only be detrimental to us in the end. It is a habit that each individual is responsible of breaking from. Perhaps then we can create a custom of individuality.