Derek Thompson, a staff writer for The Atlantic known for his insights on societal issues, discusses the rise of social isolation in America and its mental health consequences. He emphasizes the need for 'social fitness' akin to physical fitness. The conversation differentiates between loneliness and aloneness, explores the impact of technology on social connections, and offers practical solutions for fostering community. Derek also shares his personal routines and philosophies that enhance his productivity, balancing solitude with creativity.
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insights INSIGHT
Aloneness vs. Loneliness
America faces an aloneness crisis, not a loneliness crisis.
Loneliness is a healthy signal to socialize, but it's suppressed by constant stimulation.
insights INSIGHT
Evolutionary Mismatch
Modern technology creates an evolutionary mismatch.
We are dis-evolved for constant work and readily available entertainment, hindering social interaction.
insights INSIGHT
Dis-evolution and Externalities
"Dis-evolution" describes how solving one problem creates new negative externalities.
Abundance, while positive, can lead to issues like obesity and attentional overload.
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Hidden Valley Road tells the true story of the Galvin family, a large family of twelve children, six of whom were diagnosed with schizophrenia. The book explores the family's struggles, the historical context of mental health treatment, and the significant role the Galvins played in genetic research on schizophrenia. It delves into the era of institutionalization, lobotomy, and the search for genetic markers, offering a comprehensive and compassionate look at the family's legacy of suffering, love, and hope.
BOWLING ALONE
The Collapse and Revival of American Community
Robert Putnam
In 'Bowling Alone', Robert D. Putnam presents extensive data showing how Americans have become disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and democratic structures. He argues that this decline in social capital has significant negative impacts on physical and civic health. The book explores various factors contributing to this decline, including changes in work, family structure, suburbanization, and the influence of technology such as television and the internet. Putnam also discusses historical precedents and potential solutions for reviving civic engagement and social connections.
Dopamine Nation
Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
Anna Lembke, MD
In 'Dopamine Nation,' Dr. Anna Lembke delves into the scientific discoveries that explain why overindulgence in high-reward, high-dopamine stimuli leads to pain. The book combines personal narratives from her clinical practice with the latest psychology research to illustrate how to find contentment and connectedness by keeping dopamine in check. Lembke discusses the impact of modern addictions, such as those related to smartphones, food, and other behaviors, and provides strategies for managing consumption and transforming lives. The book emphasizes the importance of balancing the science of desire with the wisdom of recovery[1][3][5].
Exercised
Why Something We Never Evolved to Do Is Healthy and Rewarding
Daniel Lieberman
None
Heide Luthers
Abundance
The Future Is Better Than You Think
Peter H. Diamandis
Steven Kotler
In this book, Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler present a contrarian view that the future is brighter than commonly perceived. They document how exponential technologies, DIY innovators, technophilanthropists, and the rising billion (the world's poor empowered by modern communication technology) are conspiring to solve global problems such as access to clean water, food, energy, healthcare, education, and freedom. The authors provide examples and strategic roadmaps for governments, industries, and entrepreneurs to address these challenges, offering a optimistic outlook on the potential for technological innovation to improve human living standards[2][4][5].
Americans are spending more time alone than we have in a long, long time. That wouldn't be such a big deal if we weren't also reporting feelings of increased anxiety and unhappiness. This is why journalist Derek Thompson, in his recent cover story for The Atlantic, titled "The Anti-Social Century" (link below), writes, “Self-imposed solitude might just be the most important social fact of the 21st century in America." Today, Brad and Clay talk to Derek about how we got here, the consequences it's having on our society and culture, and why we might need to think about taking "social fitness" as seriously as we take physical fitness. We discuss the difference between loneliness (which isn't such a bad thing) and aloneness (which is), the role that technology and dopamine plays in all of this, how to think about the purpose of solitude in your life, and how we can improve America's social fitness, individually and collectively. Plus: Derek is one of the most prolific people we know and we spend some time at the end breaking down the habits, routines, and philosophies that help him get it all done.
"The Anti-Social Century" by Derek Thompson (The Atlantic)
excellence, actually 
