Are there any philosophical texts or books otherwise that deal with the conflict of individual happiness versus the happiness of the state.
For example, Japanese society would see suicide as honorable, although good for society (since it encourages people to work hard and have the state as a whole prosper), I don't think this was a good framework for an individual to try and catch up with, especially after their economy tanked.
Meritocracies in general seem to aid the collective more than they aid the individual.
I understand how crude my descriptions sound which is why I look for suggestions on this matter.
Exclude Leviathan from your suggestions.
Yukio Mishima