Radical Individualism Versus Non Sibi

One of our school’s mottos is non sibi, which means “not for oneself” in Latin. It’s most definitely been drilled into your head, and when not at the Harkness table you’ve probably heard it used inappropriately. “Non sibi,” your friends say when they steal your Pringles. Though Exonians may use the motto irreverently, its intention drives our lives at Exeter, most obviously demonstrated by the overwhelming number of students who have participated in an ESSO-sponsored club. It is, arguably, the main philosophy Exeter encourages, and rightly so: It reminds Exonians daily to not be jerks, but in Latin.

There are significant differences between individualism and radical individualism.

There is another powerful philosophy that drives Exeter’s community: individualism. This viewpoint also encourages Exonians to be better people, but in a different way. Rather than promote selflessness, individualism guides its adherents to make decisions that will prove beneficial for themselves while maintaining the community around them. There is a subset of individualism, called radical individualism, which is unhealthy for the growth and stability of a society. This, too, along with non sibi and individualism, are present on Exeter’s campus. There are significant differences between individualism and radical individualism.

Individualism is a philosophical belief that a person is completely autonomous, and as such makes his own decisions about his identity and actions. Individualism is important, even crucial, to a free-thinking society. It prompts meaningful and diverse strategies to approach problems, and ensures that people can protect themselves from others who may want to hurt them by making them aware that they have essential rights that need to be defended. Individualism both protects some members of society from harm and frees others to innovate. It does not come before the demands of society; a person who steals jewelry may be acting on individualistic principles, but because he is infringing on the rights of another human, society will punish him for his actions.

Radical individualism, on the other hand, is the philosophical belief that a person’s autonomy comes before society, and that a community must bow to the will of the individual. It is individualism for individualism’s sake, and can be very harmful to constructive society. It sometimes undermines institutions put in place to protect people and targets dissenters and labels them as people to alienate. Radical individualism, like radical anything, is a destabilizing force in society which can lead to serious damage to the health of a community.

Individualism and non sibi go hand in hand. The nature of non sibi emphasizes total selflessness, while individualism supports a healthy amount of self-concern. They are not polar opposite ways of looking at the world. A delicate balance must be struck between the two, in which each philosophy aids in the building of constructive social scaffolding. Without being able to take care of yourself, you cannot have concern for others, and without looking out for others’ well-being, you cannot properly care for your own feelings. They are important in every relationship you might ever have, with people, workplaces, institutions and governments.

Radical individualism is the enemy of both individualism and selflessness. It alienates, destroys and divides. It does not have concern for the status of lives beyond the individual. Non sibi and selfishness must work together in order to preserve both individual rights and community safety. The balance between selfishness and non sibi is upset by the presence of radical individualism. It damages the way we think about individuals and the collective, preferring to keep its adherents focused on all the things which have gone right or wrong for them, rather than what has gone right or wrong in the larger community.

If your friend steals the top layer of Pringles from your can the next time you buy one, don’t lash out at them. Remember the balance between non sibi and your own interests. You can remind them that they are yours and they should not take them without asking. And then you should give them the Pringles anyway. They’re your friend, of course, and the most non sibi thing you can do is let them eat your food.