Article March 11, 1911 Issue

TRUE INDIVIDUALISM

E. J. MARIA.

A Proper sense of individualism is most requisite in a progressive community; more particularly in a democracy where common responsibility and common equality constitute the principal features which render individual uplift indispensable for democratic growth. Taken literally, the word individualism conveys a certain sense of egoism or self-interest, but in reality there is no selfishness in true individualism. On the contrary, true individualism includes generosity, manliness, kindness, self-respect, moral courage, and all the superior qualities that contribute to the building up of a genuinely fine character.

It is customary to regard the human will as a prominent factor in the development of individual character. Men of robust wills are generally considered the most capable of great achievement. Humanly speaking, this may be correct, so far as temporary and earthly things are concerned. Upon test, however, the human will proves hopelessly lacking in efficiency. History abounds in instances where self-determination has been an important factor in the accomplishment of great deeds; where a certain fearlessness has enabled persons to attain to those summits of power which in due time crumble and fall. Napoleon's career, for instance, affords a splendid example of the acquirement of power through self-confidence or self-will. What a contrast, however, between his career and that of Lincoln, whose whole life was one of uninterrupted faith in and reliance upon the Almighty! Both of these men had a remarkable individuality; each in his own way. Both achieved greatness, and the career of both had a notable bearing on the physical and moral condition of the civilized world. The individualism expressed by these two men, however, was far from being on a par with respect to its basis and quality. If one was constructive and founded on love, the other was destructive, having for its aim self-glory and for its foundation the human will.

Strength of character based on spiritual realization characterizes true individualism. Moral independence is imperatively essential to the making of substantial individuality; spiritual accomplishment forms the basis of a truly progressive life. If a community is to be elevated, its standard of spirituality must be advanced. Ultraconservatism is as much of an impediment to spiritual growth as it is to everything else. Unless time-honored doctrines and systems of religion are disarmed of their dominating influence over human sense, there is little hope for advancement along religious lines. The same religious conventionalism that landed Jesus on the cross, two thousand years ago, is still at work, resisting vigorously all attempts toward expansion of thought; it is the tyrant which would hold within its grip the narrow-minded. In olden times, human laws, governed by prejudice, sanctioned the crucifixion of men, and mortal mind is no less tyrannical today.

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