Plain English with Derek Thompson cover image

‘The Anti-Social Century’: America’s Epidemic of Solitude—and How to Fix It

Plain English with Derek Thompson

CHAPTER

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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