The Individual vs Society

Big Questions

As someone who too often turns to others for unnecessary approval and guidance, the delicate and seemingly fragile relationship between an individual and society as a whole has been a question I’ve often pondered but never answered. Society has always been viewed as some mysterious invisible entity, often talked about but never seen. By definition, society is a group of people living together and interacting with each other. Trinity would be one such example of a society. But society is nothing without the collaboration and like-mindedness of the people part of said group. Without the individual, there would be no society, no collaboration, no generally accepted views, or ideals. Society is a biproduct of individuals united under a common goal.

Just because society is a collaboration does not mean the collaborators are uniform. Without diversity, society would be severely less effective as an ideal, or perhaps would be rendered useless entirely. The unique perspectives of each member of a society, combined with individual talents and experiences bolsters the effectiveness of society tenfold. But uniformity in society must exist in some shape or form. Individuals in society share goals, aspirations, and of course general acceptance and agreement of legal and political systems. Society also gives back to the individual. Society provides a framework about which the individual can construct their identity, guided by the perspectives, experiences, and ideals of the people around them. Society establishes norms, roles, and expectations that change how individuals perceive themselves within society.

While society is a powerful force, the individual is certainly not lacking the ability to change. Society moulds people, but throughout history people have changed or broken the mould entirely. Visionaries, artists, thinkers, and leaders have challenged the status quo, inspiring social change. Their actions, bravery and ideals have challenged corrupt or wrong norms, starting ripples of change, influencing generations to come, and reshaping how people see their lives. But society’s shaping of the individual is a delicate balance. Embracing individuality allows for personal growth, self-expression, and innovation. But the individual must recognise their responsibilities in order to contribute effectively to society. Cooperation and empathy create a sense of belonging for the individual and allows society to run smoothly. By upholding established norms, the individual contributes to society while keeping their unique identity.

But society is not without its challenges. Conformity and so called ‘peer pressure’ can decrease or even halt individuality and hinder personal growth. However, history has proved that individuals will always be willing to grit their teeth and pursue their personal identities. Through the continuous sharing of contrasting viewpoints and the sheer power of human adaptation, societies grow and improve, allowing for a thriving relationship.

Think of this perceived ‘relationship’ as a kind of dance. Each influences, guides, and shapes the other. By understanding this balance between growth as an individual, and norms put in place by society, we can all contribute to a future where both sides flourish. Keeping individuality alive and keeping our minds wide open is more than crucial if we are to continue growing as a species, but equally having rules and guidelines in place is critical as it helps to guide individuals and creates collective progress and harmony. So, perhaps the best we can do is to remember to always keep in mind our rights as an individual, and freedom to explore all walks of life, but patch some holes in society and contribute to the future of this wild world in which we live.

- Charlie Sheldrick

Art Club

Clubs & Societies

Edward: Hello everyone, welcome back to the second rendition of the Clubs and Societies Section this year for the Trinity Inquirer Edition 10. My name is Edward Peng and today, I am joined by James Egan, leader of the Art Club. James how are you?

James: I’m good thanks. How are you?

Edward: That’s great. I’m good. Well, let’s get straight into the questions. A lot of people have a clear passion for art, could you tell us a bit about what the art club is and what you do?

James: Yep, the club was started this year by our captains – David and I - with Mr Rothnie. The initial vision of the club was for it to be a place for boys who are artistically inclined to come do their work, get help with their work, or even work on fun projects helped by us. Currently we’ve got a lot of older members, so it’s acted as a hub and space that allows us to do our work, but we have a vision for younger members where we would create T-shirts using vector-based image designs and then use a printing press to get them onto clothes.

Edward: Oh yeah that’s great to hear how you’re trying to implement different ways to get younger boys to join the club . So, I did a bit of research on your art club page on myTGS, and found that your club’s aim is ‘To bring different visual perspectives together, creating a space of innovation and inspiration’. Could you tell us about the vision behind this?

James: Well for me and David, I do Art and David does Vis Com, so we have very different styles which is what I think makes the club so great. We can collaborate together, and together we have a very broad skillset that can help a lot of people.

Edward: Oh, it’s amazing how well you and David have gelled together to make this club! Moving on, again, on the myTGS page of your art club, your mission statement is “to invigorate the artistic beast inside everyone.” Could you perhaps elaborate on that?

James: Yeah, we really want people to find the passion for art that we have ourselves. It’s such a great creative space and a really good outlet and I just hope everyone can enjoy that, and possibly find it through the art club.

Edward: That’s good to hear! Obviously, the club is relatively new, you said the club started this year, so where do you see the club in the future?

James: Yeah, currently we have a lot of older members so I’d love to see a lot of younger members and see this club be a generational space between the young and old where they can all collaboratively work together and have fun.

Edward: Are there any requirements to join the club? How would you join, where is it, who should you contact and why should you join?

James: There are no requirements to join the club, it doesn’t matter if you do any art or visual subjects - everyone is welcome to come. It’s held in CY14 on Thursday lunchtimes, David Luo, Mr Rothnie, and I along with a few other Year 12s are usually in there.

Edward: Well, James, that brings us to the end of the interview. It has been a pleasure interviewing you today and I hope the success of the Art Club continues!

- Edward Peng (Clubs & Societies Editor) & James Egan