With the cost of basic human needs such as food, housing and utilities considerable rise over the last few decades, it is only natural that people favoring their own interests and putting themselves above everyone. While extreme individualism can be detrimental to society and social bonds as a whole, in my opinion, right amount of it should be welcome, therefore, a positive development.
One of the most brought-up effects of being individually goal-driven is undoubtedly improved life satisfaction. Most of the people nowadays, especially young adults, try to be a ”people pleasers”, a term used for someone who tries to satisfy needs and requests of others around them to avoid being seen as selfish or self-centered. Nonetheless, being helpful to everyone comes with a cost of neglecting their own life goals, plans and even sometime dreams, therefore leading to sense of unhappiness, purposelessness, and fostering emotional disorders such as anxiety.
Another beneficial effect of being moderately opportunistic is Another beneficial effect of being moderately opportunistic is the encouragement economic prosperity. When individuals are motivated to improve their own circumstances, they are more likely to take risks, develop new skills, and pursue entrepreneurial activities. This self-driven mindset largely results in business growth, which ultimately benefit society as a whole by creating jobs and improving living standards. In this sense, personal ambition does not necessarily harm collective well-being; rather, it can actively contribute to it.
In conclusion, although extreme individualism can damage social bonds and increase inequality, a moderate level of individualism is a positive development. It promotes personal fulfillment and economic progress while still allowing room for cooperation and social bond. As long as individuals remain socially conscious, prioritizing personal goals can coexist with collective welfare.