Egotistical society derives from the fact that society is not in every respect sufficiently integrated to keep all its members dependent on it. So if it develops to excess, this is because the state on which it depends has itself expanded to excess: society is weakened and disturbed, allowing too many of its subjects to escape too completely from its influence. Hence, the only way to remedy the evil is to give social groups sufficient cohesion for them to hold the individual more firmly and for him to be attached to them…But what are the most appropriate groups for constantly reminding a man of this salutary feeling of solidarity?
From, Emile Durkheim’s On Suicide, being read this week in CC203.
