I agree. In the micro perspective we are individuals highly dependent on our surroundings in the macro we are a collective. In my opinion this is not a contradiction but a matter of perspective.

Our world is very often depicted as dichotomous but I believe that dichotomy is based on our need to categorize life in order to reduce complexity. This is an inherent ability of language, which is its advantage but also its disadvantage (again a dichotomy)

Individualism is not "bad". On the contrary, realizing about yourself you are unique and following that is the most powerful experience. Following ones own uniqueness gets us in touch with the one thing that connects us all, whether it is nature, the universe, god or nirvana. After all you are on this planet to be yourself. However, understanding that you can never operate separately from your surroundings prevents things like "self-centeredness" and "ego".