However, while in some times and places a culture will collectively urge people to subordinate their personal desires in favor of the family, the group, or the nation, it’s fair to say our particular culture feeds and nourishes our self-centeredness, encouraging us to enthrone ourselves as the sovereign of our own lives. Do your own thing. What was once seen as the deadliest of sins—pride—is now embraced and cherished as essential to human flourishing: embrace yourself, express yourself, promote yourself.
