# IX: The New Individualism explained — The New State

> Chapter companion for The New State by Mary Parker Follett.

## What happens

This chapter redefines individualism within a collective framework, arguing that true individualism flourishes only through social cooperation and collective will. It critiques superficial collectivism and emphasizes that socialization of the will must precede socialization of property. The chapter calls for a democracy based on individual value, affirmation, and responsibility, contrasting true individualism with the particularism of the past.

## Themes in this chapter

### Critique of Individualism and Particularism

The chapter distinguishes true individualism from the particularism of the past, arguing that the so-called individualistic age was actually particularistic.

### Education for Social Citizenship and Group Life

Emphasizes the need to learn the method of real cooperation and to evolve collective thought and will through participation.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

Presents the argument for a new individualism rooted in collective life.

### We the People

Referenced as those who must learn cooperation and take part in evolving collective thought and will.

## Key lines

> The new freedom is to be founded on the new individualism.

The concept of freedom must be rebuilt on a fresh understanding of individualism.

_Opens the chapter by linking freedom to a revised individualism._

> Not socialization of property, but socialization of the will is the true socialism.

Genuine socialism is about collectively shaping our desires and intentions, not just transferring ownership.

_Key thesis distinguishing mechanical collectivism from authentic social transformation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_new_state_se/chapters/ix-the-new-individualism
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_new_state_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_new_state_se/chapters