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About this quote

What does it mean?
Individualism is defined not as isolation but as voluntary cooperation among people.
In plain terms
Individualism means people working together by choice.
What can you take from it?
True individualism fosters social cooperation rather than isolation.

Where it applies

  • political philosophy
  • economic systems

Putting it to work

  • reframing individualism

Questions to consider

  • Is individualism compatible with social goals?
  • How do people choose to cooperate?

Another view

The definition relies on a specific view of cooperation that ignores conflict.

More from Ludwig von Mises

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