People erroneously contrast individual action with systemic change, like doing one hampers you from doing the other. Do they think musicians practicing their instruments prevent the orchestra from practicing together?

Systemic change is not the opposite of individual action.

If you rationalize and justify living against your values because in some way you’re doing what culture around you does, you’ve been corrupted.

If you don’t live by your values, you’ve been corrupted.

The opposite of individual action is individual corruption,

at least in a culture with values that conflict with yours.

If you live against your values, you can blame culture all you want, but you’ve been corrupted. I’m not trying to be mean or accusatory. Just pointing out the consequences of our actions.

• ← What is the opposite of pollution? Loving your neighbor as yourself.
• “What about ambulances, fire trucks, and hospitals?” →