Transcendentalists, such as Emerson and Thoreau, put a great deal of emphasis on one’s individualism. For example, in the case of the latter philosopher, he promoted the concept of self-reliance as the basis of independent thought and ideas. I think that the term is highly important because people, as social creatures, are naturally prone to follow the crowd. However, individual thinking induces critical assessment because it allows a person to form his or her own set of perspectives and connotations. Conformity is necessary when the collective effort is essential for bettering society and advancing humanity. I have always struggled to go against the crowd during my school years because I wanted to be liked and respected by everyone. Although it is a healthy social need, I am now comfortable forming my own opinions about the major issues and willing to present and defend them.
Humans tend to be social beings, and therefore, it is natural for us to conform to the crowd. Thus, adhering to individualism is critical because it requires overcoming the given desire for belongingness and in-group thinking. All major discoveries and inventions were the result of a person defying the norms and not conforming to the provided state of the world. Individualism is a driver or catalyzer of progress, which is why one needs to develop his or her own philosophy and set of values. Conformity is also relevant and has its place within the social context, but the fact that it is natural means that the alternative requires a deliberate and active approach. I believe one should minimize the influence of the crowd on his or her thought process.