Over-individualism breeds alienation, while reactionary tribalism fails to foster authentic communities.
Modern individuality is hollow, shaped by capitalist forces that commodify identity, leaving us neither as “genuine individuals” nor members of cohesive communities. Instead, we inhabit a "flattened society" of performative roles and narrow, market-defined behaviors.
Even contrarian tribalism, while offering relief from the anxiety of self-definition, often mirrors the same consumerist logic it seeks to escape. It fragments individuals into insular groups, perpetuating division.
Both trends—over-individualism and tribalism—separate us without cultivating the depth of selfhood or stabilizing community needed to resolve our ennui, melancholy, rage, despair, or loneliness.
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