"The Promise of Sociology" By C. Wright Mills

"The Promise of Sociology" brought together two ideas that catapulted the relationship between the two to a new level: the individual and society. Mills suggests a powerful idea: man is defined by historical change as history is defined by the individuals who change it. To understand each together enables one to establish a clear meaning for each entity; this is the link between history and individual biographies. Mills reinforces this idea of awareness and how many people do not look beyond their individual troubles to see the real issues that prevent them from living to their fullest potential: "Seldom aware of the intricate connection between the patterns of their own lives and the course of world history, ordinary men do not usually know what this connection means for the kinds of men they are becoming and for the kinds of history-making in which they might take part (Mills 11)." To realize this is to acquire a "sociological imagination." Mills says that this perspective allows individuals to "become conscious of their social positions" by being aware of societal issues in addition to personal troubles. Mills defines troubles as individual values that are threatened to the immediate environment of a limited social life, while issues are matters that transcend the singular mindset and effect the organization of society (14). By incorporating a sociological imagination, it is possible to achieve greater things in the world, not only effecting oneself, the individual, but by imprinting change into society's history.

It is something to consider: an idea that is greater than oneself. It is almost a selfless notion to adopt such a way of thinking and in return, such achievement can be obtained. These idea of troubles and issue through the sociological imagination teach us to be better human beings, not just to ourselves and those immediate people around us, but to the world. If everyone had this sociological imagination, the world could become a better place for everyone. While the world as a collective unit may not be striving towards betterment all the time, the sociological imagination embedded in a few has the ability to touch the hearts of many more by keeping the intrinsic relationship between the individual and society alive, allowing the individual to transcend beyond their troubles to change the fabric of society.