Review and Reflection on Individualism

Abstract

Individualism is the core value of the western world, which is rooted in the western culture and philosophy and possesses a long history. Individualism guides people’s thought and life, reflecting the spiritual outlook of the people in the western world. The values of individualism and the Eastern world are rooted in different historical and cultural traditions, and there are differences in their value connotations. This paper reviews the concept of individualism from the perspective of its origin, development process, rationality and limitations, so as to enhance the understanding of the individualism. And then the paper goes on to the discussion of the measures in dealing with the impact of western individualism by the promotion of community values in the new era and the construction and development of socialist core value system. It is hoped that this paper may provide reflections on the interactions between the collectivism and individualism.