# Collectivism vs. Individualism in Moving the Mountain

> Theme guide for Moving the Mountain by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

The book contrasts the old world's 'belated individualism' with a new social order where ethics, work, and even personal identity are defined by one's contribution to the collective good, with social duty superseding personal gain.

## Where it surfaces

- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/moving_the_mountain_se/chapters/vi): The dialogue contrasts the old individualistic economic model with the new collectivist view where work is seen as social service, and the community takes responsibility for human welfare.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/moving_the_mountain_se/chapters/viii): The discussion of 'loving your neighbor as yourself' and the shift from individual to collective consciousness highlights the tension between these concepts.
- [The New Education and the Arts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/moving_the_mountain_se/chapters/x): The narrative contrasts the old individualistic society with the new collectivist approach, especially in education and community living.
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/moving_the_mountain_se/chapters/xi): Frank Borderson explicitly states that the mistakes of the past lay in 'belated individualism' and that ethics cannot be predicated on individuals, highlighting the shift to a collective social consciousness.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/moving_the_mountain_se/themes/collectivism_vs_individualism
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/moving_the_mountain_se/themes