Stanley F. Bronstein – Personal Development BlogPersonal Development Blog of the Founder of the Achievement IQ Movement and Creator of the Laws of Positioning

Meditation for Friday – March 5, 2010

Individuals Are Disappearing In Our Society.
The “Public” Has Replaced The Individual.

Individual – A single human being, as distinguished from a group.

Disappear – To cease to exist or be known.  To cease to be seen; vanish from sight.

Society – An organized group of persons associated together.  A body of human beings generally, associated or viewed as members of a community.

Public – Of, pertaining to, or affecting a population or a community as a whole.

Replace – To assume the former role, position, or function of.  To substitute for a person or thing.

So What Is Being Suggested Here?

Today’s meditation sounds like a reflection of today’s society, doesn’t it?

The funny thing is this idea was first suggested by Soren Kierkegaard, a 19th century Danish philosopher .

To me, this quote suggests that we live in a society that encourages everyone to be part of a group.  Everyone is encouraged to “belong.”  Today’s social media encourages everyone to “connect.”

Is This A Good Thing?

I ask you, is this a good thing?  Is it good to give up our “individuality” in order to be part of a group?

You can probably guess my answer, based upon the tone of this post.

Personally I believe it is NOT a good thing to give up our individuality.

But, don’t misunderstand me.

Like most things in life, I believe balance is the key.

Balance – A state of equilibrium.  Balance is decreasing what is excessive and increasing what is deficient.

So, What Is Excessive Here?

Excessive – Going beyond the usual, necessary, or proper limit or degree.  Exceeding a normal, usual, reasonable, or proper limit.

In this instance, I believe our tendency to want to be part of a group; to not be an individual is excessive here.

So, What Is Deficient Here?

Deficient – Lacking some element or characteristic.  Insufficient; inadequate.

In this instance, I believe our tendency to spend way too much of our time and energy toward being part of a group results in our individuality becoming deficient.

My Motto

I’ve always been proud to tell people that I am NOT like everyone else.

I am unique.  I am myself.

Unique – Having no like or equal; unparalleled; incomparable.

However, because I live in a society, I have a duty to function within the bounds of that society.

Thus, while I encourage people to be individuals, I remind them that they need to function within the bounds or that society.

In other words, we can’t swing too far in the other direction and allow our individuality to become excessive.

Remember, it’s all about balance.

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