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My other point was that 'self-actualisation' (a part of Maslow's hierarchy of need), in effect the way in which Western society has become individuated and identity-centred, is in some ways antithetical to the conscientious fealty (which is a voluntary obligation well above run-of-the-mill patriotism or loyalty) which Sam, and more explicitly Pippin and Merry, exhibit in such a touching way.
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Although one might argue that Merry and Pippin both enter into their service of their own free will, so that their fealty is ultimately a product of their inclinations; a concept entirely in keeping with a society that nominally values personal freedom. I say 'nominally' because the individual liberty that we value so highly has become so orthodox as to resemble a form of obligation in itself. The right to subject oneself to the service of another voluntarily is a personal freedom nonetheless, and one which is looked upon askance by our society.
I love paradoxes; don't you?