The Fragility of Human Community and the Tension within Human Nature

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As a profoundly social species, we crave relationships and community. However, we are also driven by self-love, creating a tension between our own needs and our desire for connection. This duality makes human community fragile and uncertain. We are like chimeras, constantly at odds with ourselves and often acting in ways that undermine our own well-being. It takes effort to balance our inherent nature with cultural influences, education, and personal growth. Only by striving for the best in ourselves and fostering connections with others can we fulfill the promise of human relationships and achieve more together than we ever could alone.

When Alexandra Hudson arrived in Washington, DC, she discovered that outward behavior is not always a reflection of a person's character. Her disillusionment led to an in-depth exploration of the historical concept and practice of civility, along with a newfound appreciation for not only empathy, but also debate and disagreement in a healthy society. Listen as she and EconTalk's Russ Roberts discuss her book The Soul of Civility, a call for less superficial politeness and more genuine respect for and consideration toward others in the social, cultural, and political spheres. They also discuss the power of social norms and how they can promote human flourishing.