Alone, We're Nothing...

 

Here's a thing. At some point this morning on Radio Four - can't remember either programme or context, been too busy with other stuff like shopping and cooking for the family to recall exactly - mention was made of 'Individual Autonomy', a concept apparently held dear as practically sacred to some people, the violation of which is in turn a violation of their human right to said autonomy. But what pray, does that mean exactly? Even the most libertarian-minded person has family, friends, workplace, etc: wherefore autonomy?

The principle argument against socialized thinking is that it subsumes the individual into some kind of abstract, outwardly-controlled entity, usually referred to as 'The State'; as if this somehow constitutes human rights abuse. The very people who would argue this to be the case still cleave to like-minded groupings of 'autonomous individuals' all espousing their 'individuality' whilst exhibiting 'hive-mind' - something we all, as human beings naturally do: state enforced, encouraged or no. The only autonomous time we have as individuals is at the point of our ceasing. Fact.

No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend's
Or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.

John Donne - 1624