Human beings are social creatures.  We have a need to belong, even if it's just an illusion.  It would be extremely overwhelming if all human beings tried to get along with or expose themselves to all other human beings at once.  Since early human times people have had issues with acceptance and feeling the need to associate in groups.  People bring different traits and skills to the group and everyone benefits from the result.  We are competitive by nature.  When we place ourselves in these groups it is a natural selection of association.  We place ourselves with people who we benefit from and who we feel needed by because we can assist them as well. We seek out the best and brightest.  It's all evolution.  I do believe that we are all individuals, but I think it is important for us to work together and not to waste the skills and specialties we have acquired.  The individual is capable of so much, but together, great things are possible.