I fi nd merit in both of these views, even though they are contradictory. I agree with May that it is highly inadvisable to base Eigenwelt on the opinions of other people. But I also think that social...

I fi nd merit in both of these views, even though they are contradictory. I agree with May that it is highly inadvisable to base Eigenwelt on the opinions of other people. But I also think that social solidarity can support one’s identity without overwhelming it. What harm might befall the individual from carrying either of these views to an extreme—that is, depending heavily on social solidarity or never paying any attention to the opinions of others?