Individuality and universal equality historically arise as twin reactions to inequality

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

Categorization

• QUESTION: A compact dualism (individuality plus universal equality) that could anchor a broader contrast between the modern city’s simultaneous individualism and mass-leveling.
• XREF: connects to: The eighteenth century made abstract universal humanity sacred over particular persons — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 532; Unlimited individual freedom breeds new repression through natural inequality — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 534; Liberated individuals turn from equality toward distinguishing themselves from others — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 535 (+18 more)

Related

• Inclusive universal claims arise from within the particular (similarity 0.90)
• Liberated individuals turn from equality toward distinguishing themselves from others (similarity 0.89)
• Individual uniqueness as a value denies equality rather than grounds it (similarity 0.88)
• The eighteenth century equated individuality with freedom and assumed natural human equality (similarity 0.87)
• Individualism of equality and individualism of inequality both require large social circles. (similarity 0.86)
• Modern equality makes ineradicable natural differences the basis of cruel group conflict (similarity 0.86)
• Rising individuality necessarily yields belief in mankind’s ideal unity (similarity 0.86)
• True equality among people is impossible due to inescapable uniqueness (similarity 0.85)
• Individual diversity can be conceived as a division of labor among unique beings (similarity 0.85)
• Christian eternal-soul doctrine unites extreme individualism with universal equality (similarity 0.85)
• Modern individuality values being this specific irreplaceable person, not mere freedom (similarity 0.85)
• Unlimited individual freedom breeds new repression through natural inequality (similarity 0.84)
• Economic inequality raises religiosity for rich and poor alike (similarity 0.84)
• Equality achieved becomes the platform for further competition and surpassing (similarity 0.83)
• Schleiermacher made individual uniqueness itself a moral imperative (similarity 0.83)

Broader Connections

• Individual uniqueness as a value denies equality rather than grounds it #contradicts (0.60) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 690
• Individuality emerges from the layering and clash of overlapping social types #complicates (0.50) — Janet Burroway; Elizabeth Stuckey-French; Ned Stuckey-French, Writing Fiction, Tenth Edition, 284
• Individual diversity can be conceived as a division of labor among unique beings #expands (0.50) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 691
• Antillean self-worth depends entirely on comparison with others #complicates (0.40)