On the correlating rise of capitalism and individualism:
“All human relationships were poisoned by the fierce life-and-death struggle for the maintenance of power and wealth. Solidarity with one’s fellow men – or at least with the members of one’s own class – was replaced by a cynical detached attitude; other individuals were looked upon as ‘objects’ to be used and manipulated, or they were ruthlessly destroyed if it suited one’s own end. The individual was absorbed by a passionate egocentricity, an insatiable greed for power and wealth. As a result of all this, the successful individual’s relation to his own self, his sense of security and confidence were poisoned too. His own self became as much as object of manipulation to him as other persons had become.”
(47-48, 1994 reprint, Holt Paperbacks Edition)