rugged individualism

Cultural  

1. The belief that all individuals, or nearly all individuals, can succeed on their own and that government help for people should be minimal. The phrase is often associated with policies of the Republican party and was widely used by the Republican president Herbert Hoover. The phrase was later used in scorn by the Democratic presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman to refer to the disasters of Hoover's administration, during which the stock market Crash of 1929 occurred and the Great Depression began.

---

Example Sentences

The punk ethos encourages individuals to embrace their true selves and challenge societal norms.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2024

Specifically, the county now encourages individuals to wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask in public indoor spaces; when aboard public transit; in correctional and detention facilities; and in homeless and emergency shelters.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2022

The new order from State Health Officer Scott Harris encourages individuals, especially in vulnerable groups, to continue limiting trips outside the home and practicing personal responsibility such as frequent hand washing.

From Washington Times • Apr. 29, 2020

Riders are invited to participate in any fashion they choose, but Metro encourages individuals to use the moment to reflect on their own role in how to improve the community, Metro spokesman Jeff Switzer said.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 2018

Good things can certainly come of low interest rates – cheap money encourages individuals and businesses to borrow and invest in new projects, spurring economic growth.

From US News • Oct. 19, 2016