Mankind

"You know, it's such a peculiar thing--our idea of mankind in general. We all have a sort of vague, glowing picture when we say that,something solemn, big and important. out actually all we know of it is the people we meet in our lifetime. Look at them. Do you know any you'd feel big and solemn about?There's nothing but housewives haggling at pushcarts, drooling brats who write dirty words on the sidewalks, and drunken debutantes. Or their spiritual equivalent. As a matter of fact, one can feel some respect for people when they suffer. They have a certain dignity. But have you ever looked at them when they're enjoying themselves? That's when you see the truth. Look at those who spend the money they've slaved for--at amusement parks and side shows. Look at those who're rich and have the whole world open to them. Observe what
they pick out for enjoyment. Watch them in the smarter speak-easies. That's your mankind in general. I don't want to touch it."

Dominique Francon in "The Fountainhead"-Ayn Rand
another one...it stresses on the fact that the idea of the community as the greatest of all things to be served is stupid...it is our own individuality and the greatness within our own selves which we need to understand and worship if we want to realise our potential, failing which is the greatest sin which we can commit...