Article November 1, 2013

Individuality vs. personality

Zoe Seymour Loveland

Originally published in the August 15, 1890 issue of the Christian Science Series (Vol. 2, No. 8)

Christian Science clearly distinguishes the subtile difference in meaning between the terms "individuality" and "personality." It is evident that neither the correct significance of the words nor the difference between them is generally perceived, as they are constantly misused, by Christian Scientists as well as others. "Personality" especially, because of its wrong interpretation, is degenerating into nothing but the ordinary cant of a stock phrase and contains as little meaning.

“Personality" does not of necessity imply form, nor have reference to the physical body; although the latter is one of its definitions. The key to its significance is found in the word "person," meaning a mask, a part. Personality is suggestive of incompleteness and limitation, whether of a physical or mental character. It is devoid of originality, never gives birth to ideas, and, although represented by numbers they exhibit nothing but a tedious monotony.

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