The Absence of Serious Thought and Reflection in the Mainstream and the Need for Guidance in Constructing a Worthwhile Life

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This chapter discusses the lack of models and guidance for living a meaningful life, as well as the influence of the attention economy in promoting self-parody over thoughtful visions of life. It explores the potential role of communal life, social safety nets, and material support in addressing alienation.

Yascha Mounk and Tara Isabella Burton discuss the shift in modern societies away from external truths to a new gospel of finding one’s authentic self.

Tara Isabella Burton is a writer and novelist. She is the author of Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World. Her latest book is Self Made: Creating Our Identities from Da Vinci to the Kardashians.

In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Tara Isabella Burton discuss the trend towards religious non-affiliation and the rise of à la carte spirituality; the challenges such a world presents for creating community and political solidarity; and whether we can pursue self-creation while also fulfilling our deepest obligations as citizens of a liberal society.

This transcript has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

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