rugged individualism

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Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: * A social and political philosophy: This term refers to the belief that individuals should achieve success through their own hard work and self-reliance, with minimal assistance from the government or society. It emphasizes personal liberty, self-sufficiency, and free economic competition.

Usage
  • The term "rugged individualism" is used to describe a cultural or political ideology, often in historical or sociological contexts. It is frequently associated with the frontier spirit in American history.
  • It is typically used as a singular, uncountable noun.
Examples
  • The pioneer spirit was built on a foundation of rugged individualism.
  • His political speeches often celebrated the virtues of rugged individualism and limited government.
  • The novel's hero embodies the myth of rugged individualism, overcoming all obstacles alone.
Advanced Usage
  • The concept is often discussed in contrast to collectivism or policies promoting social welfare.
  • It can be used critically to suggest a lack of social cohesion or support for communal needs.
  • "The cult of rugged individualism": A phrase sometimes used to critique the ideology as an overly dominant or unquestioned value.
Variants and Related Words
  • Individualism (n): The habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant; a social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control. (This is the broader category to which "rugged individualism" belongs).
  • Self-reliance (n): Reliance on one's own powers and resources rather than those of others.
  • Laissez-faire (n): A policy or attitude of letting things take their own course, without interfering, especially in economics.
Synonyms
  • Self-sufficiency
  • Independence
  • Autonomy
Antonyms
  • Collectivism
  • Interdependence
  • Communalism
  • Statism
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps": This idiom closely aligns with the philosophy of rugged individualism, meaning to improve your situation by your own efforts, without external help.
    • He believed in the old-fashioned idea that you should just pull yourself up by your bootstraps.
Noun
  1. individualism in social and economic affairs; belief not only in personal liberty and self-reliance but also in free competition