When committees gather, each member is necessarily an actor, uncontrollably acting out the part of himself, reading the lines that identify him, asserting his identity. We are designed, coded, it seems, to place the highest priority on being individuals, and we must do this first, at whatever cost, even if it means disability for the group.

Summary

This quote suggests that when individuals come together in committees, they tend to prioritize their own personal identity and interests before those of the group. Each member focuses on asserting and preserving their individuality rather than fully collaborating and working towards a collective goal. This self-centered behavior can hinder the effectiveness of the committee, possibly leading to the group's failure or inability to function optimally. In essence, the quote highlights the natural inclination of individuals to prioritize their own needs and identities, even to the detriment of the larger group.

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