Together by Vivek Murthy—Book Overview & Takeaways

Watercolor art of a group of people in a line holding hands

Do you often find yourself feeling lonely, despite the world being more connected than ever? Why do humans crave social connection? In an age where digital connection has never been easier, an invisible epidemic of isolation threatens our well-being. In Together, former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy reveals that loneliness is a public health crisis with consequences as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Continue reading for an overview of the book Together.

The Sirens’ Call by Chris Hayes—Book Overview & Takeaways

A cell phone with long red hair sitting on a rock in the ocean like a siren

Do you struggle to maintain mental focus? What actions can you take to resist the attention economy? In The Sirens’ Call, MSNBC host Chris Hayes demystifies the mechanics of an economy built to commandeer your attention. He reveals how our attention has become a commodity seized and controlled by media platforms and advertisers for their profit. Continue reading for an overview of the book, along with insights on how to regain control of your mental life.

Lighter by Yung Pueblo: Book Overview & Takeaways

A man with glasses reading a book

Have you ever felt weighed down by old habits, emotional reactions, and ways of living that just aren’t working anymore? What’s Lighter by Yung Pueblo about? In Lighter, Yung Pueblo draws from his journey as a former activist who turned to meditation to overcome addiction, offering a revolutionary perspective on personal and social transformation. He argues that by healing ourselves, we simultaneously contribute to healing the world. Read below for a brief overview of Pueblo’s Lighter.

Scale by Geoffrey West: Book Overview and Takeaways

A woman reading a book

How do cities grow? Why do some organisms thrive while others struggle? In Scale, Geoffrey West reveals the mathematical patterns that govern everything from urban development to metabolism. Drawing on his groundbreaking research at the Santa Fe Institute, West shows how all complex systems—from organisms to organizations—follow predictable scaling laws that determine their success and survival. Read below for a brief overview of West’s book Scale.

Bonding and Bridging Social Capital: Robert Putnam Explains

A variety of people chatting at a gathering illustrates bonding and bridging social capital

Does social cohesion really lead to closed-minded groups that exclude outsiders? Can strong community bonds actually foster greater tolerance rather than less? In Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam challenges common assumptions about community connections. He distinguishes between bonding and bridging social capital, showing how these different types of connections shape our society. Read on to discover how our connections with both similar and different people influence so much.

Why Is Social Capital Important? Robert Putnam Explains Its Merits

A colorful sketch of connected people in silhouette illustrates the question "Why is social capital important?"

Why is social capital important for political engagement and economic growth? How do our community connections impact our health? In Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam argues that social capital is important for society to function smoothly. When people trust each other, they participate more in democracy, support local businesses, and develop leadership skills. Read more to discover how maintaining strong social networks helps the world go round.

Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam: Book Overview & Takeaways

A woman with long, dark hair reading a book alone at a table in a bowling alley

What’s happened to social bonds in America over the past century? How do these connections impact our individual lives and society as a whole? Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community traces the rise and fall of social capital. Putnam shows how American civic engagement peaked in the 1950s before steadily declining, threatening not just our social lives but our collective well-being. Continue reading for an overview of this groundbreaking book.

Robert Putnam: Social Capital Holds Us All Together

A container of glue in a craft workshop with a label that says "SOCIAL CAPITAL" illustrates how it holds society together

Is social capital as important as financial capital? What happens when communities lose their social connections? According to Robert Putnam, social capital brings tremendous benefits to both individuals and communities by creating networks of trust, support, and mutual cooperation. While this form of capital is harder to measure than monetary resources, it’s essential for holding society together. Keep reading to learn how social capital influences everything from education and health to economic prosperity and democratic participation.

Effects of Suburbanization: Why the US Is a Nation of Strangers

A suburban street with houses illustrates the effects of suburbanization

How has moving to the suburbs impacted our sense of community? Why do neighbors seem more isolated despite living in similar homes? Robert Putnam examines the effects of suburbanization on social connections and civic engagement. Suburban growth has led to segregated communities, longer commutes, and the separation of work and home life. These changes have steadily eroded the social bonds that once held communities together. Read on to discover why suburban growth might be turning America into a nation of strangers.

Watching Too Much TV Frays Our Social Fabric (Robert Putnam)

A woman, seen from behind, relaxing on the couch and watching TV illustrates how watching too much TV affects society

Are you glued to your TV screen more than you’re connected to your community? Could watching too much TV be eroding the social fabric of our neighborhoods? In Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam reveals that television viewing significantly drains our social capital. When we spend hours in front of the TV, we miss opportunities for meaningful human connection. The convenience makes it an easy choice after a long day, despite being less fulfilling than social interaction. Read on to discover how television transformed leisure from a community experience into a private activity and what this means for our collective well-being.