America based its very foundations and Constitution on the idea that every individual person has God-given rights which no man may infringe upon. Our constitution upholds the value of every man and his right to life, liberty, and property. Logically then, follows the question: Do we, as Americans, lose the strength, appreciation, and necessity of relying on others because we stress so firmly the value of our individuality and independence? Many people think it impossible to live totally independent of others. “Independence?” said Bernard Shaw, “That’s middle class blasphemy. We are dependant on one another, every soul of us on earth.” Maybe we do depend on one another as states Mr. Shaw, but America has tried its best to eliminate reliance on others for identity’s sake. We must resist the idea that our identity lies in existing as an individual macrocosm even though our culture indoctrinates us that way.

Our culture ultimately determines the degree we value independence. Foreign to Familiar, a book by Sarah Lanier, expounds on cultural differences: “The Maoris of New Zealand have a saying, ‘I belong; therefore I am.’ ” Good behavior and a keep-the-honor-of-the-group mentality keep all the members of society and their individuality in check. Turkish culture, for another example, differs entirely from ours. Their society teaches children to believe anything their teachers, televisions, or parents say. They hardly ever ask questions as their elders do not encourage that behavior. Two friends of our family believed Israel existed next to America because they never bothered to find out anything about it. Turk’s families define them. Guests would not show up without at least part of their family accompanying them. If they see a person sitting alone they immediately go to “keep them from being by themselves” because, of course, in their view no one would want to sit alone. In stark contrast, American culture teaches children to think for themselves, ask good questions, and live self-sufficiently. Independent societies tend to revolve around the individual and his or her worth, and because parents and teachers encourage children to think for themselves and search out the truth, most adults have a higher love of intelligence.

Not only do Americans emphasize thinking for themselves, but a traditional maxim, “If you want it done right, do it yourself,” highlights another by-product of our obsession with individuality. As a culture, we tend not to trust others because we trust too much in ourselves. We constantly hear familiar New Age wisdoms, to “look inside yourself,” “be true to your heart,” and “all the answers are inside of you.” Americans stress, with a passion, individuality. People dislike relying on others to get things done. However, total independence would mean anarchy. No one would have to answer to anyone else. Laws would become obsolete because everyone would determine the justness or efficacy of obedience based on their own opinions.

All of us remember “The Circle of Life” song from Lion King. This song demonstrates the universal law that all things in creation affect one another. Tiny protozoa or our behemoth sun could change the life of all humans on the planet. Every action we take affects others. When we try to live with a “survival” mentality of looking out only for ourselves, we demonstrate the self-centeredness of the American culture. We must re-evaluate our outlook on life and make sure we live as to serve others for otherwise we will not please God or bring glory to him.

Ultimately, the philosophy of self-sufficiency and independence separates us from God. Oswald Chambers hits a chord with us when he says, “Characteristics of individuality are independence and self-will.” We must strive to avoid this individuality he speaks of for “Individuality shoves others aside, separating and isolating people.” God wishes us, as his people, to attract others to him. Asserting our individuality will not accomplish this. Jesus teaches that we are not our own, but his. Missionaries living overseas fully exemplify this as they generally rely wholly on God and on others for their means of living. People can never live self-sufficiently. Our Christian lives will not flourish without proper encouragement and love from others. Not only do we need that affirmation, but no one more important than God exists for us to lean on. Even though certain Christians; stylites, nuns, and monks all tried to achieve a closer relationship with God by living alone, or on top of pillar, God does not call us to live in that way. In the end, we all should rely with utter abandon on God because our fallen nature prevents us from directing our own lives or living totally independent of others.