Individuality Versus Conformity Discussion Emerson and Thoreau, as Transcendentalists, espouse the idea of individualism over following the crowd. What do you think? How important is individuality? When do you think conformity is necessary or preferable? In what situations have you found yourself deciding to follow your own path or the path of others? Discuss how you have grappled with individuality versus conformity in your own life, and discuss your own philosophy on this topic.