Most Important Development of 20th Century

Sociologist Peter Berger says that the key feature of 20th century has been growing acceptance that self-realization of the individual is a greater goal than loyalty to any group like the family, religion, race, organization, ruling dynasty or even nation. In past centuries group empowerment got precedence over individual empowerment. Monarchs had no interest at all for self-realization, and demanded total loyalty from their subjects. Religious and community leaders demanded loyalty to their groups as well.

Both democracy and capitalism are about empowering individuals over groups. Democracy, civil rights, human rights, all flow from the notion that individual rights transcend group rights. That each person has the right to dissent from group loyalties and yet be treated honorably. Less evident to many is the fact that capitalism and markets are also about empowering the individuals over the groups. We need to appreciate that through Group Activity people try to achieve Self-Realization rather than Group-Realization.