Is Individual Development Possible Without Social Development?

Human intelligence develops by forming a foundation from what it sees and learns. Therefore, humans are influenced by the knowledge, culture, and worldview of the society they live in. A person's freedom is also tied to the level of prosperity their society has achieved. Similarly, they think and behave in ways shaped by their society.

There will inevitably be a difference (at least initially) between an individual raised in a culturally and intellectually rich environment and someone who grows up in a setting where access to knowledge is considered a luxury. This is why societal development is as important as individual growth. Because we can only progress to the extent that we develop and transform not only ourselves but also our surroundings.

What we can describe as the legacy of culture, experience, and knowledge—"civilization"—is the result of knowledge and collective effort passed down through generations. The technology, science, and philosophical understanding we possess today are built upon layers of knowledge accumulated over thousands of years. Individually, we do not hold great significance; however, through learning and the sharing of knowledge, we have achieved the societal prosperity we enjoy today. Each new generation builds upon the accumulated knowledge of those before them. If the accumulation and transmission of knowledge slow down in a society, progress stagnates, and the society begins to fall behind.

Societal development is made possible through the collective effort of individuals. While our environment shapes us, we also have the power to shape our environment. For a society to progress, its individuals must learn from one another, encourage curiosity, and share knowledge. Otherwise, even if intelligent individuals exist within a society, their potential will largely go to waste if there is no cultural infrastructure to nurture them.

Therefore, the value we assign to ourselves is not only derived from our individual talents and innate intelligence but also from the level of knowledge within the society we belong to. Civilization can only be built when people come together. This is why we must contribute not only to our own development but also to the development of our surroundings and society. Because it must not be forgotten that true prosperity and freedom come not only from individual achievements but also from collective progress.