Inclusive universal claims arise from within the particular

Evidence

Altogether consistently, in contrast to the above cases, extreme individuality has frequently been associated with the doctrine of the equality of all men. It is, psychologically speaking, quite obvious that the frightful inequality into which the individual was born during certain epochs of social history would elicit a reaction along two lines, one leading in the direction of the right to individuality, and the other toward the right to universal equality, since either of these alone tends to be inadequate in the same degree for the broader masses. Only in this dualistic connection can a phenomenon such as Rousseau be understood. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 687 (#expands, via linked claim)

The later meaning of individualism—according to which the factual reality of human nature is comprised of the uniqueness of individuals’ qualities and values, a uniqueness whose development and intensification are moral imperatives—this meaning of individualism is the denial of every kind of equality. For it seems inadmissible to me to construe equality from the fact that each individual is as special and incomparable as every other. That an individual is incomparable is hardly his own positive quality; rather, this arises only out of comparison with others, who are different only in the judgment of an observer who does not find in one person what he found in another. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 690 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Individuality and universal equality historically arise as twin reactions to inequality — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 687; Individual uniqueness as a value denies equality rather than grounds it — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 690; Identity is constituted through exclusion of what it is not (+3 more)

Related

• Individuality and universal equality historically arise as twin reactions to inequality (similarity 0.90)
• Individual uniqueness as a value denies equality rather than grounds it (similarity 0.88)
• True equality among people is impossible due to inescapable uniqueness (similarity 0.85)
• Liberated individuals turn from equality toward distinguishing themselves from others (similarity 0.84)
• Modern individuality values being this specific irreplaceable person, not mere freedom (similarity 0.83)
• Rising individuality necessarily yields belief in mankind’s ideal unity (similarity 0.82)
• Christian eternal-soul doctrine unites extreme individualism with universal equality (similarity 0.82)
• The eighteenth century equated individuality with freedom and assumed natural human equality (similarity 0.82)
• Equality must govern politics even though it is technically a fiction (similarity 0.81)
• Modern equality makes ineradicable natural differences the basis of cruel group conflict (similarity 0.81)
• Individualism of equality and individualism of inequality both require large social circles. (similarity 0.81)
• Equality achieved becomes the platform for further competition and surpassing (similarity 0.81)
• Schleiermacher made individual uniqueness itself a moral imperative (similarity 0.80)
• No institution can fully reconcile social uniformity and individual differentiation. (similarity 0.80)
• Economic inequality raises religiosity for rich and poor alike (similarity 0.80)

Broader Connections

• Individuality and universal equality historically arise as twin reactions to inequality #expands (0.75) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 687
• Identity is constituted through exclusion of what it is not #corroborates (0.75)
• Individual uniqueness as a value denies equality rather than grounds it #complicates (0.72) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 690