Description
Book Synopsis: From the author of Bowling Alone and Our Kids, a “sweeping yet remarkably accessible” (The Wall Street Journal) analysis that “offers superb, often counterintuitive insights” (The New York Times) to demonstrate how we have gone from an individualistic “I” society to a more communitarian “We” society and then back again, and how we can learn from that experience to become a stronger more unified nation.
Deep and accelerating inequality; unprecedented political polarization; vitriolic public discourse; a fraying social fabric; public and private narcissism—Americans today seem to agree on only one thing: This is the worst of times. But we’ve been here before. During the Gilded Age of the late 1800s, America was highly individualistic, starkly unequal, fiercely polarized, and deeply fragmented, just as it is today. However as the twentieth century opened, America became—slowly, unevenly, but steadily—more egalitarian, more cooperative, more generous; a society on the upswing, more focused on our responsibilities to one another and less focused on our narrower self-interest.
Sometime during the 1960s, however, these trends reversed, leaving us in today’s disarray. In a “magnificent and visionary book” (The New Republic) drawing on his inimitable combination of statistical analysis and storytelling, Robert Putnam analyzes a remarkable confluence of trends that brought us from an “I” society to a “We” society and then back again. He draws on inspiring lessons for our time from an earlier era, when a dedicated group of reformers righted the ship, putting us on a path to becoming a society once again based on community. This is Putnam’s most “remarkable” (Science) work yet, a fitting capstone to a brilliant career.
Details
Are you tired of the division and polarization in our society? Do you long for a time when Americans were more united and focused on the common good? Look no further than "The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again." This extraordinary book by Robert Putnam offers a sweeping analysis that demonstrates how we can learn from the past to become a stronger and more unified nation in the present.
With deep and accelerating inequality, political polarization, and a fraying social fabric, it's easy to feel disheartened. But Putnam's insightful research shows us that we have been here before. Just like in the late 1800s, America was divided and individualistic. However, through gradual changes, we became a more cooperative and egalitarian society. Putnam explores how, somewhere along the way, we lost our path and ended up in the disarray we see today.
"The Upswing" provides a beacon of hope as Putnam draws on inspiring lessons from history. He demonstrates how a dedicated group of reformers in the past were able to bring about positive change. Their focus on community and responsibilities to one another set us on a path towards unity. With his inimitable combination of statistical analysis and storytelling, Putnam presents a vision for the future, one that is based on collective well-being and the common good.
This remarkable work by Robert Putnam is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the root causes of our current societal challenges and find actionable solutions. By tapping into the wisdom of the past, we can chart a course towards a brighter future. Join the movement towards a more united America by immersing yourself in "The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again."
Ready to rekindle the spirit of togetherness in America? Take the first step by picking up your copy of "The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again" today. Click here to get your hands on this transformative book.
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