Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life

“But we are united, as it turns out, in at least one core belief, even across lines of color, religion, region, and occupation: the belief that economic success or misfortune is the individual’s responsibility, and his or hers alone.”

The use of juxtaposition highlights the contrast between the widespread belief in personal responsibility for economic success or failure and the implicit critique of this belief. By positioning the notion of individual responsibility alongside the mention of diverse societal lines—color, religion, region, and occupation—the text emphasizes the pervasive nature of this belief across different demographics. This broad generalization serves to underscore the entrenchment of individualism within the American ethos.

“Civic republicanism and biblical religion remind us that being an individual—being one’s own person—does not entail escaping our ties to others, and that real freedom lies not in rejecting our social nature but in fulfilling it in a critical and adult loyalty, as we acknowledge our common responsibility to contribute to the wider fellowship of life.”

This quote incorporates anaphora through the repetition of “being” at the beginning of successive clauses, creating a rhythm that draws attention to the evolving understanding of individuality. It contrasts the common perception of individualism as isolation with a more nuanced view that recognizes the importance of social bonds. The notion of “real freedom” is presented as a paradox, suggesting that true autonomy is found not in severing ties with others but in deepening them. The appeal to “civic republicanism and biblical religion” reinforces this counterintuitive argument, which serves as an allusion to broader philosophical and religious traditions that value