Part One: The Myth That Isolates Us
We have all heard the story: the lone genius, the self-made billionaire, the individual who, through sheer will and determination, ascended from nothing to greatness. It is a seductive narrative, one that fuels ambition and perseverance. But beneath its surface lies a damaging illusion. The idea of the self-made individual ignores the network of people, systems, and circumstances that enable success. Worse, it promotes isolation, fuels anxiety, and leads to a distorted sense of failure when we inevitably need help.
The truth is that there is no such thing as a self-made person. At every stage of life, we are shaped by those around us: the teacher who encouraged us when we doubted ourselves, the mentor who opened a door, the friend who protected us from dangers we never even saw coming. Yet, our culture elevates individualism to the point where needing others feels like a weakness rather than a fundamental truth of being human. This tension between our inherent interdependence and the myth of self-sufficiency is one of the greatest contributors to the mental health crisis we see today.
Studies comparing communal societies with individualistic ones offer further insight. In societies where communal living and shared responsibilities are the norm, such as many indigenous and collectivist cultures, mental health outcomes tend to be better. A study by Koltai and Stuckler (Economic Inequality and the Social Determinants of Mental Health, 2020) found that more equal and socially cohesive societies experience lower rates of mental illness, addiction, and violent crime. These communities thrive on interdependence, where social bonds serve as protective factors against stress and isolation. Conversely, highly individualistic cultures, particularly those in Western industrialized nations, report significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness due to weakened social support networks.
Similarly, research by Hofstede on cultural dimensions highlights that countries with strong collectivist tendencies, such as Japan and many Scandinavian nations, report higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being. This is largely due to the emphasis on communal support, shared responsibility, and intergenerational connections—elements often lacking in societies that prioritize individual achievement above all else. When people are embedded in a supportive community, they are more resilient in facing life's challenges.
Recent studies reinforce this reality. Jean Twenge’s research on generational mental health shifts highlights the increasing rates of anxiety and depression tied to social disconnection. Meanwhile, Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone documents the decline of community engagement and the psychological cost of increasing isolation. When people feel that their struggles are theirs alone to bear, it creates a crushing weight—one that can be alleviated only through reconnection.
In the workplace, this myth manifests in toxic competition, where collaboration is undervalued and success is framed as a zero-sum game. Studies show that organizations that foster network intelligence—where employees share knowledge and support one another—outperform those that prioritize individual achievement alone. Yet, too often, workplaces reward hyper-individualism, exacerbating burnout and dissatisfaction.
As we continue this series, we will explore the tangible consequences of this myth in professional and social spheres. The next article will examine how the self-made fallacy manifests in workplace culture and why shifting toward a collective intelligence model is not only healthier but also more productive.
Reflection & Homework
Take a moment to consider this: Who in your life has helped shape your success in ways you may have overlooked? Write down three names and reflect on how their influence contributed to your path.
Sources
Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement.
Putnam, R. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.
Koltai, J., & Stuckler, D. (2020). Economic Inequality and the Social Determinants of Mental Health.
Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions and Organizations Across Nations.
Duhigg, C. (2016). Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business.
Harvard Business Review (2019). The Business Case for Collaboration.
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