INDIVIDUALISM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 225, 23 September 1938, Page 6

INDIVIDUALISM.

Since man's first move from a state of primitive savagery his fight for individual expression has fostered the growth of economic and social differences. The very first custom was a voluntary—though inarticulate — majority expression of agreement to restrain minority or abnormal emotional desires. As man-power was organised and ap]>ointed to enforce custom—what we now call "law and order"—custom became law. and it was but natural that those possessing the individual strength of that period—cunning or strategy —should gain control of this power and use it for their «elf-ag3Tandisement or selfexpression. Self-expression expands or feeds upon success, and generations of such feeding brings those who have become accustomed to and are benefiting by it. to believe it should never be questioned. Xever for a moment do such individuals halt to consider the soundness or otherwise of the premise. Xever do they ask themselves if there is really a moral or logical reason why a minority of any kind should in any way rule a majority, or have (►reference to the good things of life. Rut the majority have ever been becoming more sensitive to their situation: becoming cognisant of the fact that •"their individuality" is being suppressed that the individuality of the minority mia'-.t !»e expressed. and it i s but natural tliev should strive to reverse this order. ' WALTER SCOTT.