Book SummaryThem, by Ben Sasse

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Them

In modern-day America, the bonds that unite communities are weakening, leading to a noticeable decline in the collective advantages derived from social ties.

Sasse argues that despite reaching unparalleled heights of prosperity and freedom, Americans are facing a profound disintegration of social ties. Many people today feel deeply isolated and have lost a considerable amount of trust because traditional social structures and bonds that previously nurtured a shared identity and collective objectives have diminished. The disintegration of social ties profoundly affects individuals and society at large, resulting in heightened disunity, doubt, and an overwhelming feeling of despair.

An increasing segment of the population in the United States is encountering a sense of being isolated and disconnected.

Sasse underscores the alarming rise of loneliness in America, highlighting that this issue goes beyond personal struggles and signifies a pervasive public health emergency. He references multiple research findings that illustrate the profound effects of isolation on both people and communities.

A wealth of evidence indicates that isolation severely impacts both mental and physical well-being, leading to increased death rates, substance dependence, and depressive disorders.

Sasse emphasizes the tangible consequences of solitude, highlighting its connection to an increase in mortality rates, which even surpasses the dangers related to obesity and heavy drinking. Research indicates that people who are isolated often encounter heightened stress hormone levels, diminished responses from their immune systems, and an elevated likelihood of experiencing cardiovascular incidents. Loneliness hastens the aging process and heightens the risk of experiencing cognitive deterioration and conditions associated with memory impairment. Sasse argues that the severe opioid epidemic in the United States is partially fueled by the deep-seated pain of isolation and a lack of meaningful direction in life, with prescription drugs serving as a dangerous substitute for the authentic and positive connections established through community bonds. The author highlights an alarming increase in mortality due to despair, surpassing even the fatalities once most commonly attributed to vehicle collisions, which were the leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States before cancer took the forefront.

Other Perspectives

• In certain spiritual and philosophical traditions, isolation is sought after and valued as a means to achieve deeper meditation, enlightenment, or personal insight, suggesting that the effects of isolation are not inherently negative.
• Technological advancements, such as social media and virtual communication platforms, can mitigate the effects of physical isolation by providing alternative means of connection and support.
• Some research suggests that the quality of social relationships can be more important than the quantity; therefore, it's possible for someone to have few social connections but still maintain a low risk of mortality if those connections are meaningful and supportive.
• The relationship between isolation and immune system responses is complex and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, pre-existing health conditions, and lifestyle choices, which might mitigate or exacerbate the effects of isolation.
• Interventions such as stress management techniques, exercise, and therapy could potentially reduce the impact of isolation on cardiovascular health, suggesting that the relationship is not deterministic.
• Acceleration of the aging process is a complex phenomenon that cannot be attributed to loneliness alone; environmental factors, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare are also influential.
• While isolation may contribute to substance abuse, it is not the sole cause of the opioid epidemic; genetic predisposition, mental health disorders, and chronic pain management issues are also critical factors.
• Some individuals may find that engaging in authentic connections is challenging due to mental health conditions that are not directly caused by isolation but may still lead to prescription drug use as part of their treatment plan.
• The increase in mortality due to despair could be influenced by better reporting and recognition of mental health issues, rather than an absolute increase in such deaths.
• Accidental deaths are generally defined as those that occur without intent, whereas cancer develops due to complex biological processes and is not considered an accident.

The erosion of foundational community structures, including faith-based gatherings, neighborhood alliances, and groups dedicated to public affairs, has led to a pervasive feeling of solitude and a lack of direction for many people across the United States.

Ben Sasse, drawing on the studies of Harvard sociologist Robert Putnam, talks about the decline of crucial social structures including parent-teacher associations, local organizations such as service clubs and labor unions, religious institutions, and youth sports teams. Sasse highlights the decline in participation and membership in crucial institutions that previously played a significant role in fostering shared experiences and strong community ties. Families are increasingly spending less time together during communal meals and holiday celebrations, as they dedicate fewer moments to activities they partake in collectively. This decline in shared experiences and collective trust has contributed to the erosion of social capital, leaving many Americans feeling adrift and disconnected from their communities.

Other Perspectives

• While foundational community structures have indeed eroded, this has been partially...

Them Summary The metamorphosis of employment and its influence on personal identity, sense of belonging, and communal ties

Sasse argues that the nature of employment is fundamentally changing as a result of advancements in automation, artificial intelligence, and the expansion of the gig economy. The shift in the character of employment is reshaping not only our means of earning but also deeply influencing our sense of self, our relationships with others, and our place in the wider world. As conventional career trajectories change, so too do the social structures associated with them, leading to new challenges and opportunities in building a sense of belonging within our communities.

The ascent of the gig economy and the progress of digital automation are rapidly transforming the traditional pathways and practices of professional life, leading to considerable upheaval.

Sasse explores how swift technological progress is transforming various sectors within the American economy. He cites the major transformations in agriculture and industry as examples of how technological progress can dramatically increase productivity while also diminishing the demand for human workers. The author suggests that we are entering a new epoch following the industrial period, characterized by the emergence of...

Them Summary The escalation of polarizing media within the political sphere and its impact on the cohesion of society and our collective spirit.

Sasse argues that the rise of media outlets focused on political partisanship is fragmenting the nation, as these entities utilize a business strategy that relies heavily on stirring up outrage. He warns that we are increasingly prioritizing superficial bonds formed through political affiliations over the cultivation of genuine connections within our local communities. This predicament not only reduces our capacity for meaningful dialogue, but it also leaves individuals vulnerable to the exploitative strategies of harmful organizations, both domestic and foreign, that seek to exploit these divisions.

The diminishing confidence in democratic establishments and the press can be attributed in part to the fusion of politics with entertainment, as well as a revenue model that thrives on stoking outrage.

Sasse explores the way in which the blending of current events coverage with amusement has thrived by deepening societal divides and fueling political animosity. He argues that digital venues designed for news dissemination and social engagement are increasingly promoting sensational material and the accumulation of political capital, emphasizing constant updates and sharp,...