Individualism in social and economic affairs; belief not only in
personal liberty and
self-reliance but also in
free competition. An idea encouraged by most
libertarians and
capitalists, rugged individualism is an idea seen in the philosophies of
Ayn Rand,
John Locke, and
Thomas Jefferson.
Some common examples of rugged individualism are the
mountain men of the
Wild West and the
pilgrims of 17th century
America.