Question

in the essay, Thoreau extols the virtues of individualism and self sufficieny . discuss how living according to these virtues can jeopardize the community consider specific circumstances when such jeopardy might occur

Answer 1

Thoreau extols the virtues of individualism an self-sufficiency; however, living according to these virtues does not come without drawbacks.

First, before we can answer this question, we must first be clear what these concepts are.

Individualism means being self-reliant or independent. That means that a person does not look to others for his or her identity. Individualism puts the needs of a single person above society.

Self-sufficiency means that a person can meet his or her own needs. A self-sufficient person might have a garden and would not need to leave home to get food. A self-sufficient person would be capable of fixing things around the house and would not need to hire someone to do these things.

While it is great to be both an individualist and self-sufficient, these qualities can be a problem for the community if taken too far. If everyone is self-sufficient, then there would be no need for a community. If a person can do everything for him or herself, then there would be no need to ask anyone else, there would be no need to even leave your home. 

Over time, it would seem that a sense of isolation and loneliness might set in. Imagine a person who puts his needs above those of everyone else. He grows his own food, so never needs to buy from anyone else. He can build and fix his own home, so he never needs to hire or seek help from anyone else. While his self-reliance is great, he is also losing out on social bonds. And, even though he doesn't need help from anyone, it is also likely he is not helping anyone else, either.

And so, while individualism and self-sufficiency are great virtues, they can cause isolation and a lack of community if taken too far.