This beginning paper attempts to explicate the myth of autonomy and individuality and the impact of this myth upon people in Western society. Focusing upon the work of the Dutch philosopher Gerrit Manenschijn, the authors briefly explore: (1) the history of autonomy as a myth as well as (2) how the West's monomythical culture shapes human thinking. In part two of the paper, the authors set out two examples to suggest how this myth works within education: (1) assessment at the K-12 level and (2) life as it is currently "competed" within higher education. The authors suggest how current educational practices might be complicit in the extension and support of autonomy and individuality as a moral compass that pushes those in the West towards materialism and extends current economic and market-driven curriculum. (Contains 6 footnotes.)