Independence --- a quality which is overvalued in the West ?

We hear in the West , that being independent is the best quality that there should be.Kids move out of their home when they turn 16 and start working part time ,buy their own car and decide on every small detail of their life.Children are told to assert their independence even from young days at school.Parents are sued and put in prison if they scold the kids.

Independence does have its ups.It no doubt makes you self reliant and stops you being a nagger in life.However on the flip side, it makes you ruthlessly selfish and make up a mind of "My way or the highway".This ruthless pursuing of self interest is evident from small things in life to how countries like US pursue their foreign policy.Actors in Hollywood do not sign films on relationships,but through contractual agreements.The concept of true friendship based truly on trust is rarely visible.Below the hype and hoopla of laughter and glamour,we find celebrities who are insecure and depressed.The recent passing away of legendary actor Robin Williams reminds us of the same

As human beings,we all need a support system of family and friends to navigate us through life.Western thought forces you to retain your independence.A feed back system of friends and family would prevent cases of depression which is so high in the West.

With the world being globalized ,countries like India where a joint family system was prevalent till recently would do itself well if it doesn't fall into the traps& mistakes which the Western line of thought has made.

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