Full Idea
Individuality is a recent phenomenon. It is only over the last two centuries that the populations of the civilized countries have demanded the democratic privilege of being individuals.
Gist of Idea
Only in the last 200 years have people demanded the democratic privilege of being individuals
Source
Jean Baudrillard (The Intelligence of Evil [2004], p. 55)
Book Reference
Baudrillard,Jean: 'The Intelligence of Evil or The Lucidity Pact' [Berg 2005], p.55
A Reaction
I think Aristotle's ethics and politics imply individuality, given that the only purpose of civic society seems to be to enable individuals to flourish and lead virtuous lives. Society is justified, for example, because it makes friendship possible.