Review by Booklist Review
Connections bring us the comfort that we can't always give ourselves. Von Hippel (The Social Leap, 2018) proposes that, as we have grown into a more self-reliant society, our overall sense of happiness has not changed much compared to our ancestors. This is due, he argues, to a decrease in connections and a prioritization of uniqueness and independence. Being a former psychology professor, von Hippel does provide a psychological perspective. However, what sets this book apart is the addition of sociological and historical lenses that provide more context. He explores the concepts of autonomy and social connections through the lenses of gender, marital status, political ideologies, evolution, and more. In addition, he provides small steps the reader can take to nurture their connections without losing themselves in the process. This book will entice readers interested in both why we humans are the way we are and how we become more connected without sacrificing the essence of who we are.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Modern society has upset the balance between "our two most basic needs: autonomy and connection," and humanity is suffering as a result, according to this illuminating treatise. Social scientist von Hippel (The Social Leap) argues that for the first time in human history, society has shifted toward autonomy and away from sociability, with mass urbanization since the 19th century fraying communal ties and marriage becoming increasingly important culturally while simultaneously eroding the value placed on relationships with friends and family. This shift has created what von Hippel describes as "sad success stories": people who are unable to share their achievements with loved ones and are therefore dissatisfied despite being far more materially well-off than their ancestors. Von Hippel's commonsense solutions include socializing at work, participating in run clubs and other organizations that strengthen one's lifestyle goals, or catching up with friends or relatives via social media. Most intriguing are his explorations of the sometimes counterintuitive links between autonomy and connection, as when he notes that the pursuit of personal improvement ensured that "our ancestors became valuable to their groups" (for example, becoming a skilled hunter would have made one both socially valuable and an attractive mate). This persuades. (Feb.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A breakdown of enduring bonds lies at the root of our discontent, according to this wide-ranging examination. A central paradox of the modern era is that we are becoming more unhappy even though, compared with hunter-gatherers, "the comforts, safety, and ease of our existence make us the equivalent of multimillionaires." So says von Hippel, a longtime professor of psychology, who delved into sociology, anthropology, and biology for some answers. He argues that societies are constructed around two evolutionary imperatives: the need to connect with others, and the desire for personal autonomy. The people in hunter-gatherer societies tend to be quite happy because they have a network of connections, even while they have room for self-expression and individual action. As societies become more complex and productive, the autonomy imperative becomes dominant over the connection imperative, and the balance is lost. The point of equilibrium varies between individuals, but von Hippel says that everyone needs a mix of both--no amount of money, novelty, and blingy tech can make up for a lack of connection with others. The author devotes a chapter to the impact of social media, which can undermine genuine connections (not surprisingly) if the screen becomes central to one's life. Used the right way, however, it can be a powerful antidote to an excess of autonomy. Von Hippel offers a series of suggestions for finding a better balance, mainly by making personal linkages a part of life rather than an occasional afterthought. "Choosing autonomy has become a habit for most of us," he writes. "But once you start adding connection back into your daily life, that, too, will become automatic and easy. It should also be incredibly rewarding." A thought-provoking look at how to bring balance back into our lives. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
