Which one do you agree with?

Both... and neither....

Fact: Nobody owes their successes to themselves. It's always comes down to the appreciation of others.

Donald Trump would not be president if he didn't have supporters. Stephen King would not be a successful writer when nobody wants to read his books, and so on.... In the end we need each other, and even to help each other, so thinking as a collective is required

At the same time you must also take responsibility for your own actions. I hate it when people do bad things and try to get away with it with things as "don't infringe my freedom" or things like that. I also hate it when people are bragging with the successes of others. Yeah, the microscope is a Dutch invention, should I as a Dutch be proud of that? If I invented the damn thing myself I would be, but now... nah! Should I be proud when I find out I'm the great-great-great-great-grandson of a great historical hero.... Nah... It'll be fun to find out, but proud... Their successes are not mine. And that counts as individualism.

Both are required, and both should be there... There's no use trying to deny the one or the other. Since that cylinder fits (when you don't rotate it in any way) in both shapes on the wall, there is truth in that picture.

I love seeing my templates used!!!😁

Good question.

I used to be a libertarian. Influenced by authors like George Orwell and Ayn Rand, I was deeply suspicious of anyone claiming to advance goals in "the common good." Growing up, becoming more personally secure, and gaining in wisdom has changed that outlook somewhat.

Governments are not perfect by any means, but at least in democratic societies, they are generally not actively oppressive or nefarious. Why not? It's precisely *because* democratic societies understand proper limits on state power and respect individual rights. Everything in balance.

Remember that "Atlas Shrugged" and "1984" are works of fiction. They are entertaining, provocative reads which exaggerate government oppression to make a point. These sorts of cynical governments are certainly capable of existing -- as we see in places like Russia, North Korea, or Venezuela -- but thankfully they are the exception, not the rule. If we protect our freedoms, then we will not have to worry of ending up like them.

But freedom does not protect itself. But it is up to all of us to do so, actively, each and every day.

This Covid-19 crisis underscores the need to act responsibly for society's collective benefit. Quarantining is indeed a painful sacrifice for all. Yet taking these same steps to avoid infection is also in an individual's self-interest as well: and in the interests of those closest to us whom we love.

Interesting to note that societies with a more "collectivist" mindset, such as in East Asia, have generally fared batter in this crisis despite being hit first. South Korea's early and effective response in particular has received praise. https://www.wired.co.uk/article/south-korea-coronavirus

I think in general, American society right now is a bit too slanted in favor of individuality at all costs. There are disturbing number of folks out there who will literally tell you things like "taxation is theft," or that coronavirus is a globalist conspiracy to take away our freedoms.

The internet was supposed to enlighten us all, yet it has also sped the flow of such conspiracy theories which cater to our baser fears and to all-too-human wish to feel in possession of some unique knowledge that others lack.

Disinformation will not passively disappear on its own as if by magic. Real people like you and me must raise our voices to counter it.

To paraphrase John Stuart Mill, and other great men down through the years: Evil triumphs when good men do nothing.

I subscribe to a holocratic or holarchic (see: holons) view, where individualism, localism, nationalism, and globalism all play necessary parts.)