John Donne wrote that, “No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee”.
Yet, does this sentiment hold true in the modern world where the emphasis is on individual rights, self-empowerment, self-improvements and the individual tailoring of nearly every aspect of life? In such circumstances do the bonds of community risk withering for want of care and use?
Alternatively, is community over-rated? Do we hold a romantic view of communal life – conveniently forgetting the prying neighbour and the pressure for conformity from the herd? Is a focus on the self, the source of liberty?