>maladaptive conditioning we receive from our families and society in general
We adapted to the world through our families and society. A human alone 50,000 years ago was a delicious meal, not a rugged individualist.
I would suggest that anything that encourages you to live an atomized life is maladaptive. We can get away with some degree of that now, but only due to thousands of years of various cult-like behaviors that built the world to be more fit for humans.
Choosing to isolate yourself from others or strive to be overly individualistic would be an example of maladaptation in my view. If you grew up in a emotionally nurturing familiy of origin you probably will have no intention to do so.
Cultures vary. Also individuals vary. That’s true now, and it was very likely true 50000 years ago.
Maybe not all the rugged individualists survived, but quite likely a few wandering souls travelled far away from their original homes, and got to see different places and experience different things.
We adapted to the world through our families and society. A human alone 50,000 years ago was a delicious meal, not a rugged individualist.
I would suggest that anything that encourages you to live an atomized life is maladaptive. We can get away with some degree of that now, but only due to thousands of years of various cult-like behaviors that built the world to be more fit for humans.