Individualism is not merely an abstract philosophy. It is a practical approach to life that creates real opportunities for economic and personal growth. We at CFI desire to see American society once again embrace individualism with enthusiasm, both intellectually and in action. To catalyze this change, it’s not enough to simply write blog posts or conduct scholarly research. We must lead the action-oriented change that we want to see. Through our initiatives, we develop resources and design programs that make individualism both intellectually and practically accessible to all Americans.
Individualism in Action: A Record of Success
History shows that individualism put into practice has the power to drive growth, innovation, and even revolution. When a group of 18th century farmers, statesmen, and civic leaders turned their individualistic ideals into action, a nation was born. When Benjamin Franklin wrote in his autobiography of all that he had accomplished through his own embrace of individualism, he inspired the citizens of this new nation with a powerful vision of individualism in action. Today, a new generation of individualists are following in Franklin’s footsteps to develop world-changing technological innovations at an unprecedented rate.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
The decline of Individualism in our contemporary society is largely the result of a reduced appreciation of individualism’s practical value in day-to-day life. Why be self-reliant when you can rely on the government or your parents to pay your bills? Why strive for greater heights of achievement when the wealth of our modern age has made complacency comfortable?
There is a serious problem with this line of reasoning: our society today has the luxury of neglecting individualism only because past generations have embraced individualism so vigorously. If not for the industrious, self-reliant spirit of previous generations, our nation would never have accrued the wealth that today makes complacency and dependence viable life strategies.
CFI Initiatives: Building a Bright Future
The wealth that we’ve inherited from our self-reliant forefathers is not self-perpetuating. Past virtue does not guarantee future greatness. If today’s generation fails to uphold the values that have made America great, we will bring about an age of social and economic regression. Only a citizenry educated in America’s founding values can safeguard and advance the progress that we have made.
CFI’s initiatives are designed to empower all Americans to understand and embrace individualism in their own lives, regardless of their socioeconomic, educational, or cultural background. Through programs, educational resources, public awareness campaigns, and a host of other strategies, CFI aims to help inspire this generation to bear the torch of individualism that they’ve inherited from their parents and to carry it shining brightly into the future.
