An individualist is someone who prioritizes personal freedom and self-reliance over collective or societal norms. This perspective emphasizes the importance of individual rights, choices, and responsibilities, often advocating for personal expression and autonomy. Individualists believe that each person should pursue their own path and make decisions based on their own values and beliefs. In philosophy, individualism contrasts with collectivism, which emphasizes the group's needs over the individual's. Prominent figures associated with individualist thought include Ralph Waldo Emerson and Ayn Rand, who championed the idea that personal fulfillment and creativity are essential for a thriving society.