What Hayek Taught Us about Individualism!True and False

Individualism Is a Theory of Society

Emily Skarbek fee.org Sunday, May 08, 2016

Today is F.A. Hayek’s birthday. To celebrate, I’d like to briefly comment on particular facet of Hayek’s thought that has influenced the way I see the world — his view of individualism “true.”

In his brilliant essay “Individualism: True and False,” Hayek lays out the distinguishing features of the ideas of individualism stemming from Mandeville, Hume, Smith, and the Scottish Enlightenment.

First, and foremost, individualism is a theory of society.

This fact should by itself be sufficient to refute the silliest of the common misunderstandings: the belief that individualism postulates (or bases its arguments on the assumption of) the existence of isolated or self-contained individuals, instead of starting from men whose whole nature and character is determined by their existence in society. (pg 6).

Individualism starts with a rich understanding of the human character (think both Mandeville and Smith here) — not an atomistic idea of man in a bubble. From this, individualism begins with the premise that there is no other way to understand social phenomena but through our understanding of individual actions and choices directed toward other people and guided by their expected behavior.

Daily Bible reading: Rom 10:10-15 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES ON HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.” 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE, WHO BRING GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS!”