Contrary to common perception, Individualism does not seek to separate the individual from society.

Rather it seeks to empower the individual to become their best self within a social context, thus enriching both the life of the individual and the quality of society.

Ron Murphy Ron Murphy

An Individualist Responds: Embracing Virginity as a Social Construct

In recent days, a video circulated on conservative social media platforms has reignited debates surrounding the concept of virginity. The video, produced by Planned Parenthood, boldly claims that "virginity is a completely made-up concept" designed to control and shame individuals, particularly women. While the video prompts important discussions, it fails to capture the nuanced complexities of the issue.

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Ron Murphy Ron Murphy

Embracing Individualism: Navigating the Pitfalls of Societal Intrusion

We see it too often these days.  People intruding into the personal lives of people they don't even know, or people trying to dictate how others should behave, speak and interact.  In the age of hyper-connectivity, it's not uncommon to find society entangled in the intricate web of others' lives.

 

Social media, gossip columns, and the constant scrutiny of personal choices have become ubiquitous, fostering an environment where privacy is a rare commodity. In this context, the philosophy of individualism emerges as a beacon of personal freedom, encouraging a "live and let live" mentality that celebrates diversity, autonomy, and the preservation of one's personal space.

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Ron Murphy Ron Murphy

Preserving Historical Monuments: A Case for Remembering the Past

Historical monuments stand as symbols of our shared human history, bearing witness to the complexities of our past, which include moments of both great pride and deep shame. As our societies continue to grapple with monuments that commemorate troubling or controversial aspects of history, the question arises: should we destroy these monuments to erase their troubling pasts, or is there a more meaningful and constructive way to deal with them?

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Ron Murphy Ron Murphy

Thoreau's Deliberate Living: Balancing Individualism within a Modern Social Context

Henry David Thoreau's experiment in living deliberately by Walden Pond is a story often misconstrued as a retreat from society. In reality, Thoreau maintained a strong social presence during his time at Walden but embarked on this journey to grapple with the profound loss of his brother and ultimately to seek deeper meaning in life. This reevaluation of Thoreau's intent offers a fresh perspective on his time at Walden Pond, shedding light on his quest for understanding amidst the delicate balance of individualism within a social context.  In this article, we'll explore this fascinating dynamic which still has relevance in our day as technological advances such as generative artificial intelligence challenge our sense of place and meaning in the world.

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Ron Murphy Ron Murphy

The Power of Individualism, Freedom, and Personal Choice in Healthcare

The decisions we make regarding our healthcare, what we choose to put into our bodies, and how we approach our well-being are deeply intertwined with the principles of individualism.  Understanding this power is essential for navigating the modern healthcare landscape, where the necessity of restricting government interference in personal choices is paramount.  In this article, we will explore the significance of individual choice, body autonomy, and the importance of limiting government involvement in healthcare decisions.

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Ron Murphy Ron Murphy

Unlocking Societal Transformation: The Power of Individualism and Self-Governance

Yet, it's essential to remember that society is nothing more than a collection of individuals. What we incorrectly call systemic, or societal is actually nothing more than the aggregate behavior of us all.  If the members of a society where all good and kind, then society would be good and kind.  If our society is petty, greedy, uncaring, bitter, hateful or wicked, it's because we are those things as individuals. We want to change society, and yet we can only ever actually change ourselves.

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Ron Murphy Ron Murphy

Celebrating Individualism: The Case for Equality of Opportunity in a Diverse World

Across the diverse spectrum of humanity, one fundamental truth prevails: individuals are born with unique skills, traits, and capabilities. This inherent diversity has given rise to an enduring debate about equality - a debate that hinges on the distinction between equality of opportunity and equality of outcomes. This article argues for the primacy of equality of opportunity and the inherent impossibility of achieving equality of outcomes, given the individuality of each person combined with the subjective nature of human values and preferences. Equality of opportunity relies heavily on Individualism and freedom from institutional or government interference.

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Ron Murphy Ron Murphy

Preserving Free Speech: Listener Responsibility and Autonomy in a Diverse Society

In the landscape of free speech, the ongoing debate centers on whether speakers should bear responsibility for the actions of those influenced by their words. As staunch proponents of free speech absolutism, we contend that the onus of responsibility unequivocally lies with the listener. In this article, we will articulate a resolute argument for upholding the sanctity of free expression. Our focus will underscore the fundamental tenets of individual autonomy, the intricate dynamics of speech's impact, and the preservation of a democratic society founded on diverse viewpoints.

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Ron Murphy Ron Murphy

Breaking Free from Conformity: The Power of Celebrating Individuality Over Identity Politics

The celebration of individuality is an acknowledgment that within every group, there exists actually just real individuals with distinct stories, dreams, and contributions. It is a call to appreciate the mosaic of human existence, where each unique piece contributes to the beauty of the whole. By breaking free from the constraints of conformity and embracing the richness of individuality, we can build a more inclusive, empathetic, and innovative world for generations to come.  This is the true American Dream empowered by the unique and great American Experiment and enshrined in our amazing American Constitution.

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Ron Murphy Ron Murphy

Education: An Individualist Approach

In the eyes of an individualist, education is not merely a means to convey a standardized set of knowledge and skills but rather a transformative process that should empower individuals to think critically, innovate, become self-reliant and fully realize their individual potential.  Individualism also fosters a commitment to lifelong learning, critical thinking, and personal autonomy.   As we continue to explore and refine the practice of individualism in education, we move closer to unlocking the full potential of each and every student, fostering creativity, independence, and a deep love for learning.

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