194 THE SOCIAL THEORY OF GEORG SIMMEL
dividual will select for himself a point of intersection of
social circles from which he can satisfy both needs of his
nature and in that way realize the full expression of his
personality. Within circles characterized by much competition,
 the individuals will search for circles which are
entirely free from competition, and within groups that
are entirely free from competition, the individuals will
search for opportunities for competition. For that reason
the merchant class finds its compensation in a great number
 of societies and clubs which are of a purely sociable
nature, while the aristocracy, which is comparatively free
from competition, finds its compensation in clubs and
societies in which the sportive element and the individual
~ompetition are strongly developed.!

Social Differentiation and Individual Liberty
The modern highly differentiated social structure with
its numerous groupings and associations partakes both of
the collectivistic and of the individualistic ideal. On the
one hand, it enables the individual to find for each of his
tendencies and inclinations an association, or at least a
social circle, which makes satisfaction of these desires
easier and offers him the advantages of belonging to a
group. On the other hand, it enables him to express the
uniqueness of his individuality in the specific combination
of circles and groupings. The combination of individuals
creates the association, but the combination of associations
 recreates the individual.
In an advanced civilization, the community group to
which an individual belongs with the whole of his personality
 has become so large that he is robbed of the advantages
 and support which membership in a small group
could give him. The bonds of association in that group
+ Soz., p. 424.