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Individualism and Selfishness
One doesn’t necessarily mean the other
So says psychologist and neuroscientist Dr. Abigail Marsh in the New York Times May 26, 2021:
“Individualism, as defined by behavioral scientists, means valuing autonomy, self-expression and the pursuit of personal goals rather than prioritizing the interests of the group — be it family, community or country” — Abigail Marsh
America is first in Individualism! And, according to new data its people are apparently less selfish than those from other countries.
In New Zealand back in my school days I loved Americans — coming into the restaurant where I worked. They tipped generously. Way more than the English, Germans and Scotts. The French were the worst apart from my Kiwi countrymen who didn’t believe in tipping at all — their “principle of the thing” saved them a penny.
Others don’t have to fall off a cliff because I make my own well being the priority. It doesn’t have to be the zero sum game (as described by Heather McGhee in her excellent book “The Sum of Us”). The priority of me finding that great job to supplement my writing income will help my family keep our roof and pay junior’s teacher. Juliet could attend the very best kennel while the rest of us travel abroad. The benefits of “priority of me” can spread far and wide…
