When I read tihis article I see Adler's focus on the individual in his social situation and the discussion of symptoms (here physical symptoms, disease) in that social context. Also implied are the different directions/goals of all those in that social situation - people doing what they see they need to do to make a living in a competitive world, and that some disregard the welfare of their fellow man for the sake of making $. But also here is an optimism that things can improve through education and intervention. Everything has purpose.