Pluralism vs. Monism

Pluralism asserts that the universe comprises distinct entities that exist independently, each maintaining its own unique essence. In contrast, monism contends that all seemingly separate elements are interconnected components of a unified whole, bound by an underlying, consistent foundation. While pluralism highlights the diversity of the world, monism emphasizes its unity. These perspectives reflect broader intellectual traditions—pluralism aligns with the atomistic and analytical thinking of the West, while monism embodies the holistic and integrative philosophy of the East.

Pluralism upholds the principles of individual distinction, autonomy, and self-determination, advocating for personal liberty, individual rights, private ownership, competition, and free-market economics. In contrast, monism views individuals as interconnected members of a unified society, emphasizing collective interests, cooperation, equality, fraternity, social responsibility, and communal well-being. These philosophical paradigms have profoundly influenced economic and political structures, shaping governance and societal values. Yet the fundamental question remains: which approach best serves humanity’s long-term interests and leads us toward a more sustainable and prosperous future?

Aristotle once stated, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Historically, monism dominated philosophical thought, as early human societies recognized unity and cooperation as essential to survival and prosperity. Over time, the rise of modern science and technology empowered individuals, fostering self-reliance and encouraging a shift toward individualism and pluralism. These ideologies champion personal liberty and diversity, shaping multiculturalism that embraces nonconformity, LGBTQ+ rights, same-sex marriage, and other iconoclastic values. They also contribute to broader philosophical shifts, including relativism, which questions absolute distinctions between truth and falsehood, morality, and aesthetics; skepticism toward intellectualism, reason, and science; and policies such as affirmative action, aimed at supporting marginalized groups and alternative lifestyles. While these cultural transformations have promoted inclusion and innovation, they have also contributed to heightened polarization, societal fragmentation, ideological discord, and partisan strife (see Tango and Individualism).

Individualism and pluralism, rooted in the "law of the jungle" mindset, lack respect for equality, morality, and the common good. This has created social instability not only within societies that champion these ideologies but also across the globe, as evidenced by the growing moral decay, societal fragmentation, political dysfunction, and widespread lawlessness in the United States, the lack of moral integrity among its political elites, and the destructive impact of their self-serving, hegemonic, and coercive foreign policies on the world (see Darwinism and Confucianism).

These ideologies overlook a fundamental truth: human beings are inherently interconnected and interdependent. The survival and progress of our species rely on cooperation and unity. A thriving society must be built on philosophies that foster cohesion, shared moral principles, social stability, and good governance. When individuals are set against one another in pursuit of personal gain, the result is division, animosity, and chaos. This has been evident in the turmoil following U.S.-led efforts to "liberate" populations, leading to humanitarian crises and refugee displacement—challenges further exacerbated by open-border policies and multiculturalism at home. If we continue to advance radical liberalism—prioritizing absolute personal freedom over collective welfare, rejecting any form of authority as oppressive, labeling democracy as “tyranny of the majority,” inflaming gender conflicts, politicizing education, media, and law, and fragmenting society into increasingly isolated identity groups—the social fabric will continue to erode.

While liberalism has historically played a crucial role in unlocking human potential and driving capitalism’s ascent in the West, its excessive emphasis on individualism has, in many ways, become counterproductive. As one reader insightfully observed, “Freedom and human rights movements have placed a heightened focus on individuality. As a result, an inflated self-image diminishes our ability to see the world as a unified whole. This inflated sense of self may also underlie many modern psychological struggles—loneliness, depression, and mental distress. If we can zoom out and recognize ourselves as a small part of a vast universe, a truth unchanged since the Big Bang, we may rediscover the beauty in ancient natural laws and adopt a healthier perspective on ourselves and the world (see A Wise Voice).” The outcome, unfortunately, has been a re-concentration of wealth, resources, and political power in the hands of a few, only this time it is done not under monarchies or aristocracies, but the guise of free competition.

Observing capitalism’s success in the West, the East—while remaining rooted in its holistic philosophy and Confucian values—has increasingly fostered human initiative and creativity, which has also brought positive changes to the East in recent decades. While the East seeks to integrate the strengths of the West, the West remains stagnant, refusing to learn from the East. It believes that, based on its past success, its way is the only right way. Instead of addressing its deep-seated ideological and structural flaws, it has doubled down on neoliberal policies. The West spends vast resources on media propogandas, NGOs, military, cognitive, trade, technological and financial warfares to defend its system and impose its ideologies on the rest of the world, which is unsurprising given that capitalism has a vested interest in sustaining these ideologies—without them, plutocracy risks losing its legitimacy (see Democracy vs. Plutocracy).

However, the balance of power has shifted. While the pluralistic West once held certain advantages over the monistic East, the East—having integrated Western strengths—is rapidly catching up and, in many respects, surpassing its counterpart. Individuality and sociality are two facets of human nature that must be balanced for the well-being of mankind and society as a whole. Neither authoritarianism, which suppresses individual freedom, nor individualism, which denies humanity's shared destiny, coexistence, and interdependence, can create a cohesive society. Successful society thrives on fraternity, solidarity, cooperation, and the willingness of its people to prioritize collective interests over personal ones and work together as a team. This is how families function (see Tango and Family Values). This is how tango is danced. This is how China is growing strong. And this is how America can regain its strength.

Despite the pervasive influence of individualism, tango offers a powerful alternative perspective. It reminds us that we are not isolated beings but members of an interconnected human family. Through its principles of love, cooperation, and mutual accommodation, tango reveals that true progress comes not from competition, but from collaboration—a lesson that extends far beyond the dance floor. Tango confirms that win-win cooperation and sharing are the true foundations of a better world (see Philosophies that Separate Two Worlds).