All for one or one for all“We must cultivate the spirit of sacrifice of the little me to obtain the benefits of the big me” (Chinese saying, page 155). America has gone from sacrificing itself for the good of others to sacrificing others for the good of itself. Charles Darwin had long predicted this phenomenon and coined it as “survival of the fittest”. By definition, it is “a nineteenth-century concept of human society, inspired by the principle of natural selection, which postulates that those eliminated in the struggle for existence are the unfit” (“Survival of the fittest”, Dictionary.com). American society, once based on collectivism, has changed dramatically and is now based on individualism. Change can easily be shown through literary works, artistic works, and in the daily actions of those around us. Once upon a time there was an atmosphere of humility and love, an atmosphere transformed into a black hole of arrogance and hatred. You no longer need to assist those who need more help, but instead throw them to the nearest lion to be eaten as you move higher on the totem pole. Are they rocking you? Or are you trying to reach the top at any cost? It's survival of the fittest, will you be left behind? The art of collectivism has been instilled in our minds since the dawn of society. For example, in the Bible, Jesus Christ himself gave up his life on the cross for the well-being of those around him. Other verses in the Bible contribute to the same idea that you should treat everyone like your family and do for them as you would have them do for yourself. “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because… middle of the paper… society must be only voluntary” (Social Darwinism) in American Thought, Hofstadter, 50). America is the place to go to make your dreams come true. As an American, you develop the “get more, want more” phenomenon. This means that no matter how much you have, you will never be satisfied. Are you the type to make other people's dreams come true or are you the type to make them come true at any cost? Do you know who you are or didn't you realize it until you read this essay? There is nothing wrong with being one, individual or collective. We tend to opt for the most socially acceptable option because we are so obsessed with what the majority thinks that there isn't even a split second in which we can decide for ourselves. Next time you wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and decide. Decide who you want to be. Individualist or collectivist, whichever you are??