Page 65 - Expressions - 23

Common Good in the age of hyper- individualism

For any civilization to prosper, the society should
be put forward before the individual. All great

inventions and discoveries are products of service

to the society and not merely for the gratification
of self. But today, the world is moving towards

romanticism of hyper-individualism, that is a

‘private society’. It is indeed essential for man to
be individualistic, private and explore oneself. As

members of the human race, we tend to have our Shree varshan b

own pursuits or say ‘private life’ but one must not 2022-26 cse
forget that, the life of one individual is immaterial.

Private individuals are not entitled egoist, all individuals do care about their

kith and kin, but their intentions do not extend beyond the horizons of
personal interest. The human mind tends to prioritize the self in most

circumstances, but the human race is designed to be or best suited when it
works as a community. Any rational egoist or self-centered personality

would not take actions in capacity of common good, whereas a rational

public individual will prioritize common good, say ‘public life’.
Working for common good means – the members of a community facilitate

material or institutional needs to all members to attain a common goal. The
philosophy of common good is to bring together a community, with a

rational obligation, so as to foster political awareness mainly, especially in a

democracy like India, where the State is indirectly controlled by the citizens.
But the individuals in public life, should offer a genuine commitment to

matters of public interest. Here, individualist morality comes into play but

only at the cost of public interest.
Considering all parameters, the human race by virtue can mold itself into

any desired form by mere actions of collectivism, as theory of evolution

suggests. Hence, it is essential for us to move from abstract ideas like hyper-
individualism to a more ethical and rational public work culture, so we can

provide the future citizens a better world.

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