Individualism (1,000) Introduction Individualism, a term often used against collectivism and totalitarianism, gives more emphasis on individuals: morally, politically, socially and ideologically, so much so that the total worth of an individual increases, and s/he begins practising and promoting her/his personal aims, goals, dreams and desires over the collective good of the State. This doctrine advocates: individual is primary, and the State secondary. Self-reliance and individual freedom take precedence over the interests of the institution, society, cultural group, or the State. Other philosophies that share their premises with Individualism are: Anarchism, Existentialism, Classical Liberalism and other humanistic philosophies. Individualism increases the tendencies of bohemian lifestyles and liking for artistic endeavours while increasing the quantity of experimentation and self-creation. This term became notorious and attracted negative connotations among socialists and conservative intellectuals during the 19th century. Brief History & Background Before 17th century there was no such connotation like ‘separateness’ associated with the term ‘individual.’ The word ‘individual’ was used as indivisible in fields, such as metaphysics and statistics, and as a singular entity for person. First time it was used by Joseph de Maistre in 1820 for collective tendencies of division of minds and for the infinitive doctrines of fragmentation. Individualism became popular as an