Societal heterogeneity, true diversity in all its facets, is an essential characteristic of modern democratic societies. Heterogeneity, the presence of a wide range of identities, backgrounds, and perspectives within a community, plays a vital role in shaping the cultural, social, and political landscape. Social heterogeneity is not the same thing as the  government enforced "Diversity" called for by collectivists which is actually not diversity at all but homogeneity empowered by identity politics.

There is a very practical reason why self-reliance is such a key component of individualism. It removes reliance on outside influences and authorities for both permission and approval for one's decisions. True individualism is the freedom of the individual to choose their own path based on whatever criteria, values, and beliefs they have chosen. It also requires taking personal responsibility for the consequences of one's decisions.