Margaret Thatcher’s infamous declaration that “there is no such thing as society” has sparked decades of debate and remains a contentious cornerstone of her political philosophy. Her emphasis on self-interest over community solidarity, however, neglects a fundamental truth: humans are inherently social beings, and society is not an abstract ideal but a lived reality. To dismiss the concept of society is to deny the interconnectedness that defines human existence. 

From the earliest days of our evolution, humans have depended on cooperation and collective effort for survival. Group solidarity enabled us to hunt, share resources, build shelters, and ultimately thrive. Language, culture, and complex societal structures emerged from this cooperation, underscoring that our progress has always been rooted in community. Thatcher’s rejection of society as a meaningful entity ignores this profound evolutionary history.

Modern science further reinforces the critical role of social connections. Studies in sociology, psychology, and anthropology repeatedly demonstrate that strong social ties contribute to better mental and physical health, greater happiness, and longer life expectancy. Conversely, social isolation and loneliness have devastating consequences, leading to increased rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and even early mortality. Community is not just a philosophical idea; it is an essential foundation for individual and collective well-being.

History provides countless examples of the power of community to create positive change. Civil rights movements, environmental activism, labor struggles—these are not the outcomes of individuals acting in isolation but of people coming together in solidarity to challenge injustice and fight for shared goals. Such movements illustrate that progress is often born from collective action rather than solitary self-interest.

Even Thatcher’s own notion of self-interest fails to account for the human capacity for empathy, reciprocity, and altruism. While individuals may act in their own interests, they do so within a framework of interconnected relationships. Acts of kindness and generosity are not rare deviations from human nature but deeply ingrained aspects of it. Recognizing the well-being of others as intertwined with our own is not only logical but vital to the fabric of any functioning society.

Thatcher’s dismissal of society as a nonentity represents a reductionist and ultimately flawed view of human nature. Far from being atomized individuals, we are part of a larger web of connections that sustains us. Acknowledging the reality and importance of community is essential if we are to build resilient societies that prioritize the common good and provide a sense of belonging for everyone. Society does exist—and it is the very foundation upon which we stand.