by Elizabeth Mcgill

Created on: December 10, 2008   Last Updated: November 10, 2009

The right of individualism gives more meaning to that famous line in our Declaration of Independence. "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Every aspect of our lives tells a story about individualism. Without it, we would not have had the great works of famous artist, authors, musicians, scientists, philosophers, and great warriors of causes great and small. We would have also been oblivious to the dangers of greedy tyrannical dictators that sought to take away from us, our individualism, by using collectivism to supersede society, as we know it today.

To get a better grasp of individualism one should read Emerson's, Self-Reliance, and Thoreau's, "Walden; Or Life in the woods." Emerson was one of the leaders of the school of "Transcendentalism." Their teachings encouraged freethinking attitudes toward authority and tradition.

Your individuality is your trademark in life. Individualism gives us a fighting chance to use that as a valuable watermark in conjunction with a dose of humbleness in reaching for that next set of goals in the stepladder of life. We quickly find out that any forgeries drops us a rung on that ladder. Humility is a way of navigating those steps, along with all the other virtues we set out to master, and see displayed in the lives of those we look up to. Used together, they become our talisman to every niche in life we create or become a part of.

If you are a sibling, a child, a parent, a grandparent, a spouse, you are part of a family unit, because someone had "a meeting of the minds". Bragging rights do not come easy; share joyfully the accomplishments of your loved ones. Disappointments are harsh enough already, a hug will do more wonders than a "Get back in there!" speech.

If you are an artist, a writer, a musician, a speaker, a singer, splurge the world with your gifts. While your unique individuality speaks volumes in those genres, temper it wisely, lest it send your admirers seeking the quietness that was, before they came upon your scene. That spark of ingenuity that broke you away from the pack could at any moment ignite, sending you on a "Crash and burn" mission.

If you are a blue-collar worker, a much needed stay-at-home person, an uprising professional, wear your uniform without the self-inflated ego vest. Others pay for your input, reward you unconditionally for your dedication, and gain an invaluable service from your vast knowledge and endless pool of resources.

By setting yourself apart in each individual department in life, you are nearly at the top of the ladder. Stop, catch your breath, look up into the faces of our ancestors of individualism and thank them for the chance to be where you are today.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Mcgill.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.