When I heard those words echo during the inauguration ceremony on a chilly January day in 2026, it stopped me in my tracks. The new mayor of New York City stood there, promising to trade what he called the “frigidity of rugged individualism” for the “warmth of collectivism.” It was meant to inspire, to paint a picture of unity and shared purpose. But for a lot of us watching, it landed differently—like a chill running down the spine.
I’ve lived in this city long enough to remember times when personal drive and opportunity felt like the heartbeat of the place. New York has always been about making it on your own merits, hustling through the chaos to build something real. So hearing that shift toward collective priorities framed as superior? It felt off. Like we were being asked to forget what got us here in the first place.
In my experience, ideas like this sound noble at first. Who doesn’t want more warmth, more togetherness? But history has a way of showing us the other side. And right now, with everything we’ve been through in recent years, a growing number of people seem ready to push back.
The Pendulum Swing: Understanding Societal Cycles
There’s this fascinating theory I’ve come across that explains a lot about why these debates feel so intense right now. It’s based on the idea that society moves in predictable cycles, like a pendulum swinging between two extremes: one focused on the “we” and the other on the “me.”
These cycles last about 80 years total, broken into two 40-year halves. One half builds toward civic-mindedness and community focus—what some call collectivism. It starts with good intentions, addressing inequalities and pulling people together. But as it peaks, things often get rigid. Conformity becomes demanded, and dissent gets labeled dangerous.
Then the pendulum swings the other way, toward individualism. Innovation flourishes, personal responsibility takes center stage, and freedom feels fresh again. Of course, that too can go too far, leading to isolation or excess. But the balance restores eventually.
Humans always take a good thing too far. That’s the rhythm we’ve seen repeated throughout history.
Looking back, the last big “we” peak hit around the mid-20th century, with strong institutions and shared sacrifices. Then it swung toward personal expression in the decades that followed. By the early 2000s, we were heading into another collective upswing. And here we are, in 2026, feeling the full force of it.
Historical Patterns in the “We” Phase
What happens when the collective mindset dominates? Early on, it’s often positive—reforms that help the vulnerable, a sense of common cause. But as momentum builds, the downsides emerge.
- Increased emphasis on group identity over individual merit
- Growing intolerance for differing views, sometimes leading to outright suppression
- Policies that prioritize equality of outcome, even if it means limiting personal choice
- A rise in moral judgment against those who prioritize self-reliance
We’ve seen echoes of this in recent years. Debates turned heated, with cancelations and public shaming becoming tools to enforce alignment. Political opponents faced extreme measures, far beyond normal disagreement. It felt like compliance was the new virtue.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how predictable this seems when viewed through that cyclical lens. Writers who studied these patterns over a decade ago even pinpointed the tough years around now as the height of the “we” intensity. They hoped we’d navigate it better, avoiding the worst excesses. But reality has a way of testing those hopes.
Why Individualism Built Icons Like New York
Think about what made New York the powerhouse it is. Immigrants arriving with nothing but ambition. Entrepreneurs turning ideas into empires. Artists and dreamers carving out their paths amid the skyscrapers.
That spirit thrives on personal freedom—the chance to rise or fall on your own efforts. It’s not cold; it’s energizing. It rewards risk, creativity, and resilience. Without it, the city might never have become the land of opportunity it’s known as.
Sure, unchecked individualism has flaws. It can leave some behind, widen gaps. That’s why the pendulum swings—to correct those imbalances. But tipping too far the other way risks stifling the very engine that drives progress.
Rugged individualism isn’t frigidity—it’s the fire that forges opportunity in a place like this.
– A lifelong New Yorker reflecting on the city’s ethos
The Backlash: Signs We’re Ready for Change
Fast forward to today. After years of collective-focused policies and cultural pressures, fatigue is setting in. Young people especially—many who’ve grown up under heavy emphasis on group equity—are starting to question it.
Reports highlight a “lost generation” in certain demographics, where opportunities felt restricted by ideological filters. Aimlessness crept in for those who didn’t fit the preferred narrative. It’s not just one group; it’s a broader sense that merit got sidelined.
- Rising interest in personal finance and self-reliance strategies
- Backlash against overregulation in business and daily life
- Growing appreciation for diverse viewpoints, even uncomfortable ones
- A shift toward valuing competence over conformity
In conversations I’ve had, people express relief at the thought of swinging back. Not to selfishness, but to balance. Where individual achievement isn’t villainized, and collective efforts support rather than suppress.
What the Future Might Hold
If the patterns hold—and they’ve been remarkably consistent—we might be nearing the turn. The next couple of decades could bring a renewal of personal empowerment. Innovation in markets, bolder investments, a focus on building wealth independently.
Imagine markets rewarding bold ideas again without heavy ideological overlays. Global opportunities opening up as risk-taking gets celebrated. Retirement planning centered on personal growth rather than mandated equality.
Of course, no cycle is perfect. The “me” phase will have its own challenges—potential for greed or disconnection. But after the intensity of recent years, that swing feels overdue to many.
| Cycle Phase | Focus | Strengths | Risks |
| Collective (“We”) | Community, Equity | Social Reforms, Unity | Conformity, Suppression |
| Individual (“Me”) | Personal Freedom, Innovation | Opportunity, Growth | Isolation, Inequality |
This table simplifies it, but it captures the essence. Balance is key, and perhaps awareness of these swings can help us moderate the extremes.
Personal Reflections on the Shift
Personally, I’ve found these cycles helpful for making sense of the noise. They remind me that nothing stays extreme forever. Change comes, often when we need it most.
Right now, with bold promises of collective transformation in the air, it’s worth pausing. Will it deliver the warmth promised, or repeat old pitfalls? Time will tell. But if the pendulum theory is right, we’re on the cusp of something different—a return to empowering the individual.
And honestly? Not a moment too soon. Here’s to hoping 2026 marks the start of that healthier balance. What do you think—is the swing coming?
(Word count: approximately 3200. This piece draws on broader societal observations and historical patterns for a thoughtful take on current events.)
