Charles Dickens: 'Most men are individuals no longer so far as their business, its activities, or its moralities are concerned. They are not units but fractions.'

Most men are individuals no longer so far as their business, its activities, or its moralities are concerned. They are not units but fractions.

Charles Dickens, the celebrated English writer, once opined that "Most men are individuals no longer so far as their business, its activities, or its moralities are concerned. They are not units but fractions." This quote holds deep meaning and significance in understanding the complex nature of human existence within the realm of business and morality. In a straightforward interpretation, Dickens suggests that individuals, to a large extent, lose their personal identity and become mere parts of a larger system when it comes to their professional pursuits. However, delving deeper, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to shed new light on this quote: the notion of existentialism.Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and the potential for meaning and purpose in life. It is an intriguing lens through which we can examine Dickens' observation. According to existentialism, each person is an autonomous being, capable of shaping their own destiny and defining their own moral code. However, in the context of modern society and the world of business, this individual autonomy often becomes compromised.In many respects, the nature of the contemporary corporate world challenges the individual's capacity for self-expression and moral agency. Companies, driven by profit and efficiency, tend to view employees as mere factors of production rather than unique human beings. In this relentless pursuit of economic success, individuals often find themselves swept away in an impersonal and dehumanizing mechanism. They become "fractions" of a larger whole, losing their individuality, as Dickens astutely observes.In the pursuit of corporate objectives, personal ambitions, values, and ethical considerations can be easily sidelined or even sacrificed. Employees may feel compelled to conform to the demands and expectations of their organizations, effectively adopting the business's moralities, which may not align with their own. This conformity to external standards and societal pressures can lead to a loss of authenticity and a dissonance with one's own moral compass.However, it is important to note that Dickens' statement does not categorically dismiss individual agency within the framework of business and morality. It rather highlights the challenges individuals face in remaining true to themselves amidst the demands imposed on them. One can argue that the ability to preserve personal integrity and authenticity is the true measure of an individual's strength and resilience in the face of such challenges.The concept of existentialism encourages individuals to resist the pressures and forces that attempt to dilute their individuality, urging them to discover their own personal meaning and moral compass. By embracing existentialist ideas, individuals can find empowerment in acknowledging their freedom to make choices that align with their own values and beliefs, even within the confines of their professional lives.To conclude, Charles Dickens' quote moves beyond a mere observation on the loss of individuality within the realms of business and morality. It opens a window into a broader philosophical discussion concerning the challenges individuals face in preserving their uniqueness and authenticity in a society that often reduces them to mere fragments. By introducing the concept of existentialism, we are reminded of the significance of personal agency and the pursuit of an authentic and meaningful life, even within the constraints of the modern business world. Ultimately, the quote serves as a call to individuals to reclaim their individuality, unite their fragmented selves, and navigate the complex terrain of business and morality with integrity and purpose.