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 com- 
petition, 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 num- 
ber 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 associa- 
tions recreates the individual. 
In an advanced civilization, the community group to 
which an individual belongs with the whole of his person- 
ality has become so large that he is robbed of the advan- 
tages and support which membership in a small group 
could give him. The bonds of association in that group 
+ Soz., p. 424.