There's a great study in the character of Samwise Gamgee, who was steady not just because he was a hobbit from the shire but also because his big vision and cause was simply to care for and serve his neighbour. The machinations of great powers around him were of less concern than making sure Frodo was ok and able to take another step forward. In the end, the grand plot pivoted on humble Sam, the servant leader, who overcame ring's allure at the most critical moment because... he was focused on something other than himself.

It's good to have a sense of individual sovereignty, liberty, and ruggedness... but that shouldn't tip us so far away from the 'collective' that we lose sight altogether of our neighbour. Especially now when the whole system is geared towards isolating us through hyperindividualisation.