When the individual is supreme, anarchy thrives. "What is collectively good for all?" is rarely the determining issue. "What pleases me?" is the determining issue.

Both extremes share many things in common. Each declares to people, "You exist for my good." Commonly, the first makes that statement to the individual. The person's justification for existence is to "serve the controlling power." Commonly, the second makes that statement to the controlling power. The controlling power's justification for existence is to "serve the individual." The fundamental difference is who serves whom.

Both extremes focus on desires and rights. The first focuses on the desires and rights of those who are the power. The second focuses on the desires of the individual.

Both are extremely selfish and self-centered. In its selfishness, the controlling power is basically concerned with sustaining and advancing itself. In his or her selfishness, the individual is basically concerned with protecting and advancing "my rights."

An irresponsible, self-centered controlling power is capable of abusing individuals in unthinkable ways. An irresponsible, self-centered individual is capable of abusing society and others in unthinkable ways.

When a controlling power believes that nothing is more important than itself, its natural tendency is to be arrogant, unconcerned about people, exploiting, and abusive. When the individual believes that nothing is more important than "I am," his or her natural tendency is to be arrogant, unconcerned about people, exploiting, and abusive.

In either case, people suffer. In either case, society suffers. In either case, hearts grow cold and hard, as minds grow arrogant and defiant.