Definition: one who pursues an independent course in thought or action; sui generis
Derivation: Latin, “of one’s own kind”
Too Far: rebellious, selfish
Quote: To be individual, my friends, to be different from others, is the only way to become distinguished from the common herd. Let us be glad, therefore, that we differ from one another in form and disposition. Variety is the spice of life and we are various enough to enjoy one another’s society; so let us be content. — Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) The Lost Princess of Oz {1917}
Comment: If you are not working within an organization where feedback is the norm, and especially if you are not very gregarious, then you need a strong confidence and a clear faith informing you that you are doing what is good and valuable. If you are writing a book, are a lone artist, an independent adventurer, or a solitary inventor you have a valuable opportunity to develop the characteristics of individuality.
Structure: All human beings are 99.9 % genetically identical. Since the number of human DNA base pairs equals approximately three billion, that 0.1 percent difference amounts to three million bases insuring our physical individuality. Even in identical twins, individuality is unmistakable. — Jerold M. Lowenstein MD., “Whose Genome Is It, Anyway?” Discover Magazine {1966}
Note: When environment, experience, and attitude are taken into consideration our differences are assured.
Symbol: Leo (The Zodiac)