No Man is an Island

Do older civic traditions have the ability to reformulate themselves into something socially viable for the modern world? Of course they do. Will the older social and civic institutions be the ones behind that reform? Doubtful. As modern individualism has led from simply seeing yourself and acting as an individual to doing everything on your own in a self-destructive fashion, there eventually must be a tipping point back to an interdependent society. Older civic and biblical traditions offer viable interdependent societies that already have a basis in success. However, as many women do not want to be sold into prostitution as punishment, and many minorities do not want to experience forced labor or other forms of oppression, there must be reform within these systems.

Thomas Merton, a trappist monk and author during the Vietnam era, wrote a book and essay titled No Man is an Island. In the essay, he expands on the idea that modern individualism does not allow for self-discovery because self-discovery requires the presence of other people and that this new kind of individualism conflicts directly with a spiritual life. However, Merton, in recommending a new kind of outlook on individualism, does not demand the catholic viewpoint only, but a hodgepodge of viewpoints, for the purpose of achieving the best possible method of self-discovery.

Merton's idea is essentially what is needed for the reformulation of civic and religious traditions to create a new, healthier kind of individualism. The civic engagement and the it-takes-a-village mentality of the past, the communal and spiritual-centered approach of older religious traditions, but also the self-awareness and un-surrendering equality that has been brought about by modern times. Through the combination of these different ideologies and methods for lifestyle change, we can achieve "the golden mean."

Who is going to invoke this change is the only question left unanswered. Few deep within the different ideologies and communities will we willing to invite massive change. However, popular support for change from a fed-up and educated outside group could create the change we need to see or possibly create a new popular group altogether.