
‘The Anti-Social Century’: America’s Epidemic of Solitude—and How to Fix It
Plain English with Derek Thompson
The Paradox of Solitude
This chapter reflects on the epidemic of solitude in America, examining its impact on social interactions and highlighting the decline of communal dining. It discusses the emergence of a new masculine ideal characterized by self-optimization and the effects of this trend on young men. Through personal anecdotes and psychological studies, the speaker emphasizes the importance of social connections for overall happiness, challenging the misconception that solitude can lead to joy.
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