Microbes Made Me Do It!

You may have thought that individualism and collectivism had something to do with philosophy... But no! It has to do with germs!

Societies that evolved in places with an abundance of pathogens, they argue, had to adopt behaviors that add up to collectivism, for reasons of sheer preservation. Societies that arose in places with fewer pathogens had the luxury of individualism, which is less effective at limiting the spread of disease but brings with it other social benefits, such as innovation.

On the other hand, maybe collectivists, huddled into a mob, are naturally germy.
Just the thought of all that breathing all over each other makes me feel squirmy.