The phrase "rugged individualist" refers to someone who values independence, self-reliance, and being strong-willed. It describes a person who prefers to rely on themselves rather than seeking help or support from others. Full definition
The attachments that develop among the members of small groups demonstrate clearly that we are not a society of rugged individualists who wish to go it entirely alone, but are a communal people who, even amid the dislocating tendencies of our society, are capable of banding together in bonds of mutual support. (religion-online.org)
I did wear them as a teen, along with 80 % of my high school friends — we were not rugged individualists yet: > It's still a great look. (suzannecarillo.com)
I can understand why America would take him as a cultural icon; we don't like rules and restrictions and often valorize rugged individualists. (rottentomatoes.com)