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The Individual

The Watatu place an emphasis on the individual that is surprising for a “traditional” society. Such societies are generally group-oriented, and, in some ways, this is true of the Watatu. However, they also possess a conception of the individual that is profoundly complex. To them, individuality is a phenomenon shaped by three forces: The expressive force, the unitive force, and the stative force.

1. The Expressive Force

   The expressive force provides the motivating energy for all human actions. It stems from the need of human beings to impact the world in a way that reflects the unique individuality they perceive within themselves. The Watatu equate this urge with a desire for self-knowledge. When individuality is trapped inside, it is inchoate and confused. When it is expressed, it becomes a part of the outside world and can be examined and understood.
   
   Individuality is continuously self-renewing, and can never be entirely expressed or expended. It can, however, be damaged.
   
   “Our ideal,” said Diotima, “is a continuous flow of self-expression, which provides a clean source of energy, and can be channeled towards many positive ends. If individuality is suppressed, and not allowed to emerge, the energy will become sick and poisoned, like brackish water. Often, the pressure will build until it releases in a way that is neither constructive nor effective.”

2. The Unitive Force

   The unitive force is a counterbalance to the expressive force. It draws the individual towards relationships with outside entities. Unlike the expressive force, which pushes towards originality, the unitive force makes things more reflective of each other. The unitive force is a necessity for the formation of any group larger than a single individual.
   
   Human beings are social by nature, and therefore highly susceptible to the unitive force. Even individuals who reject unity may subconsciously conform to preset patterns. The Watatu trace this to the many commonalities between human beings, and call it the “pervasiveness of unity”.

3. The Stative Force

   The stative force consists of all the influences that oppose change within an individual. It is composed largely of the stable elements in that person’s life. These include consistent social influences, the inescapable physicality of the body, and any number of other constants (physical and otherwise). Because they shape the persona over an extended period of time, these stable elements have a tremendous influence over our lives. Therefore, they should be treated with respect, and altered with caution.
   
   A vital additional component of the stative force is made up of things such as beliefs, values and moral codes, which the Watatu call (collectively) “things maintained by force of will”. Because they are internalized, they have the potential to remain stable when the outside world is in flux.

4. The Unbalanced Individual

   When the three forces are unbalanced, it is bad for the individual. When the expressive force dominates, individuals attempt to express themselves freely, without regards to the consequences. In this way they often harm themselves and others.
   
   If the imbalance grows, meaningful expression itself is endangered. Because expression relates the outside world to the inner self, it requires the unitive force. Because meaning is dependent on continuity, it depends on the stative force. In effect, the expressive force creates the message, the stative force provides the medium, and the unitive force establishes the method of communication. Thus, all three forces must be present if the expressive force is to find release.
   
   If the expressive force is too weak, the consequences are just as bad. The expressive force provides the energy for the entire system. Without it, the individual becomes a parasite on the energy and expression of others.
   
   When the unitive force dominates, individuals seek only to conform to a model, without regards to individuality or morality. This kind of person can be a powerful weapon under the control of a negative person or group.
   
   If the imbalance grows stronger, unity itself is threatened. Because unity demands some expenditure of effort, it requires the expressive force. Because unity needs consistent loyalty, it depends on the stative force. An “individual” formed only by the unitive force is a worthless drone who will conform to the strongest influence at any given time.
   
   If the unitive force is too weak, bonds are broken, and relationships violated. Expression loses its meaning, and the stative force becomes insufficient to hold the elements of the personality together. Such an individual becomes ever more isolated and disconnected, and eventually descends into psychosis.
   
   When the stative force dominates, individuals become inflexible and unable to adapt. If the imbalance becomes stronger, survival itself is threatened. Because self-preservation demands a certain amount of initiative, it requires the expressive force. Because human survival entails relating to others, it depends on the unitive force. Life is inseparable from change, so absolute stasis is equivalent to death.
   
   If the stative force is too weak, the individual will have no continuity, and thus, no meaningful identity. If the stative force is entirely absent, the individual will have no survival instinct, and will perish.

5. The Balanced Individual

   Individuals are healthiest when the three forces are balanced. They are able to express themselves freely, relate to others fully, and preserve their own identities entirely. In an unbalanced individual, the misalignment of the three forces causes energy to become dispersed and degraded. In a balanced individual, the alignment of the forces conserves and focuses energy. This creates a surplus that can be turned towards the improvement of the outside world.
   
   “Of course,” concluded Diotima, “individuals who are unbalanced can be important parts of a larger society. However, they tend to create a society that is also unbalanced. A society can only escape conformity if it fosters the best kind of individualism.”
   

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