1. Herbert Hoover: The 31st President of the United States, Hoover strongly believed in rugged individualism and laissez-faire economics. He argued that government assistance during the Great Depression would weaken the spirit of self-reliance and discourage individual initiative.
2. Ayn Rand: A Russian-American novelist and philosopher, Rand championed rugged individualism and objectivism, a philosophy that emphasized rational self-interest and individual achievement. Her novels, such as "Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead," promoted these principles.
3. Friedrich Nietzsche: A German philosopher, Nietzsche's philosophy emphasized the importance of self-assertion and the pursuit of individual excellence. He believed that society should not hinder individuals' ability to achieve their full potential.
4. American Frontier Culture: The rugged individualism of the American West, where settlers faced harsh conditions and relied on their own resourcefulness, played a significant role in shaping the philosophy.
5. The American Right: Rugged individualism has been a core tenet of American conservatism, with emphasis on limited government, free markets, and personal responsibility.
6. Libertarians: Libertarians, who advocate for individual liberty and minimal government interference, often embrace rugged individualism as a key principle.
7. Some Early American Settlers: Individuals who migrated to the New World and faced the challenges of building a new society often exhibited rugged individualism.
It's important to note that the concept of rugged individualism is complex and has been interpreted differently by various individuals and groups. Some argue that it can lead to social inequality and a lack of compassion, while others see it as a necessary foundation for a free and prosperous society.