ABSTRACT
Thinking about self-identity and individuality can cause some anxiety – at least in cultures where individuals are encouraged to value their personal uniqueness. Each of us would like to think – to some extent – that we have special, personal qualities, which make us distinctive and valuable to the other people in our lives (or potential future friends). But does this mean anything? Is individuality just an illusion? Maybe we are all incredibly similar, but are programmed to value miniscule bits of differentiation. The first part of this chapter begins to look at these questions, with brief reference to both science and literature. Then I go on to consider creativity, which is where human individuality perhaps seems most observable and meaningful. A creative achievement means that someone not only thinks they are a distinctive individual, but has actually got something to show for it. I therefore proceed to consider the works of some noted artists, to see how they have worked with ideas about the individual identity in a social world.
