Alienating Individuality

In our (Post) modern world, individuality and independence are highly prized. These goals are ultimately alienating. In out efforts to be an individual, we separate ourselves from those around us. If we are too close (emotionally or otherwise) to other people, we begin to loose our independence and with that we begin to loose that concept of authentic self. I believe that in an attempt to be a unique and distinct human being, we try to avoid being affected by those around us. We try to control how we grow and who we become. This autonomy comes at a cost: we loose the ability to understand humanity which ultimately affects our personal relationships. I believe that it is the greatest thing to be able to put yourself out there, connect with another human being, relinquish any idea of control you have on how you grow, and let the world and humanity reveal itself to you.
*Note: These thoughts are preliminary. There is much matter to them, that I hope to continue to work out...