"Second, capitalism did not invent strong individuality. Mass print literacy did. If you want to revert to old group-heavy identity, we simply disagree. I like strong individualism, and consider it a big historical breakthrough. I consider it to be a necessary step toward maximum humanity and freedom."
I'm not exactly clear on how mass print literacy encouraged individuality -- as for the contrast between modern "individualistic" societies and traditional "non-individualistic" societies... I'm afraid I don't really see that difference. Despite widespread literacy, etc., the U.S. is one hell of an unconscioius cookie-cutter society.
Joanna