THE SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHT

I. INDIVIDUALISTIC VS. COLLECTIVE SELF

1. Individualism vs. Collectivism
Features of Individualism Features of Collectivism

- "I" identity - Each person is encouraged to

- Promotes individual goals, initiative be an active player in society, to
and achievement. do what is best for society as a
- Individual rights are seen as being the whole rather than themselves.
most important. - The rights of families,
- Rules attempt to ensure self- communities, and the collective
importance and individualism. supersede those of the
- Independence is valued; there is individual.
much less of a drive to help other - Rules promote unity,
citizens or communities than in brotherhood, and selflessness.
collectivism. - Working with others and
- Relying or being dependent on others cooperating is the norm;
is frequently seen as shameful. everyone supports each other.
- People are encouraged to do things - as a community, family or nation
on their own; to rely on themselves more than as an individual
- people strive for their own successes
2. Individualistic Self
- The individual identifies primarily with self, with the needs of the individual being
satisfied before those of the group. Looking after and taking care of oneself, being
self-sufficient, guarantees the well-being of the group.
- Individualism, states that each individual is acting on his or her own, making his/her
own choices, and to the extent he/she interacts with the rest of the group.
- Independence and self-reliance are greatly stressed and valued. In general, people
tend to distance themselves psychologically and emotionally from each other. One
may choose to join groups, but group membership is not essential to one’s identity or
success.
- Individualistic doers are self-assured and very independent people. They are quiet
and realistic, very rational, extremely matter of fact people. They strongly cultivate
their individualism and enjoy applying their abilities to new tasks. But they are also
very spontaneous and impulsive persons who like to follow their sudden inspirations.
3. Collectivistic Self
- Collectivism views the group as the primary entity, with the individuals lost along the
way.
- The survival and success of the group ensures the well-being of the individual, so that
by considering the needs and feelings of others, one protects oneself.
- Harmony and the interdependence of group members are stressed and valued.
- It sees the group as the important element, and individuals are just members of the
group. The group has its own values somehow different from those of the individual
members.
 4. Conclusion
- Both collectivist and individualistic cultures have their failings. People in individualist
cultures are susceptible to loneliness, and people in collectivist cultures can have a
strong fear of rejection

II. THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE SELF IN WESTERN THOUGHT

1. Individualistic Self - is always conceived as the autonomous bounded entity. For one
to be autonomous, one must be able to show independence
2. Self-Sufficiency - This construct presumes that a successful self must be able to supply
one’s needs without external assistance. Being self-sufficient also implies confidence in
one’s capacity to provide what the self needs from one’s own resources and
authority.
3. Being Rational - It contends that what is rational and reasonable are only those which
can be logically viable. The successful self therefore, is grounded on one’s investment
on reason and logical thinking.

III. THE SELF EMBEDDED IN RELATIONSHIPS AND THROUGH SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT IN

CONFUCIAN THOUGHT – EASTERN CONSTRUCT
1. Hinduism - The self is Atman, the innermost essence of the self, whose destiny is to be
Brahma in Nirvana. Attachment of the self to the material world called maya/illusion
leads to the suffering of the self-called samsara. The self then has to liberate itself from
this ignorance by cultivating an authentic knowledge (self-realization) that the self is
NOT MAYA but ATMAN
2. Buddhism - Buddhism like Hinduism, springs from India. However, Buddhism is NOT a
religion BUT a practice like yoga.
- The self is subject to the law of change (born, grows and dies). There is no
permanence.
- The self is composed of five aggregates: matter, sensation, perception, mental
construct and consciousness.
- The goal of the self is to attain enlightenment by freeing him/herself from
ignorance that causes suffering.
- To eliminate ignorance and attain enlightenment, the self should:
a. Know the four noble truths
▪ Life has inevitable suffering.
▪ There is a cause to our suffering.
▪ There is an end to suffering.
▪ The end to suffering is contained in the eight fold path.
b. practice the eight fold paths.
▪ Right View ▪ Right Livelihood
▪ Right Intentions ▪ Right Effort
▪ Right Speech ▪ Right Concentration
▪ Right Action ▪ Right Mindfulness
c. Confucianism (Confucius)
- Confucianism is of Chinese origin.
- In Confucian philosophy, the self is a moral and social being. A true self
is a noble man possessing all the virtues and this noble man is called JEN/
JENZI/JUNZI.
- The four virtues the self shall possess: human-heartedness, righteousness,
ritual or property and wisdom.
- The self should actively harmonize himself/herself with nature by
translating the innate law of nature into action.
d. Taoism/Daoism (Lao Tzu)
- TAO (ultimate reality) or the way of nature. It states that the self shall
passively harmonize himself/herself with nature.
- To be able to harmonize, the self must practice the WU-WIE or the non-
interference with the natural course of events.
- The practice of WU-WIE can be achieved by practicing the three great
virtues: humility, frugality and contentment.
- So, the self should not strive for learning, riches and power but rather
lasting happiness by being quiet, thoughtful and humble.
e. Filipino Concept of the Self
- A Filipino is multi-layered (Spanish, American, Indian, Malay, and
Chinese influences).
- A Filipino is a relational being (family-oriented, pakikisama, hospitality,
bayanihan spirit, camaraderie, etc).
- A Filipino is religious.
- A Filipino is optimistic (cyclic worldview: gulong ng palad)