a Based on this identification of the individual soul with God, there developed the doctrine of self-reliance and individualism, the disregard of external authority, tradition, and logical demonstration, and the absolute optimism 1414 ◼ Based on this identification of the individual soul with God, there developed the d o ctrin e o f s el f-r elian ce an d individualism, the disregard of external a u t h o r i t y, t r a d i t i o n , a n d l o g i ca l demonstration, and the absolute optimism