A New American Awakening

According to Putnam, the more we prioritize our private bubbles over public life, the more we disconnect from our local surroundings. This has weakened American democracy. Fewer people are engaged in politics, and those who do are often at the political poles. With less social capital, our neighborhoods are connected by fewer informal, reciprocal t... See more

Douglas Rushkoff argues (in an essay that could be three) that instead of being overwhelmed by fast-changing news and events, we should focus on real human connections and care in our everyday lives. I loved this bit: “I find myself slowing changing from an agent of change to an agent of care. I’m less confident in the impact my activism might have... See more

This disconnect between culturally mandated politics and the actual demonstrated preferences of most Americans has created an enormous reserve of unmet needs—and a generational opportunity. Build new things! Create great art! Understand and accept that sensory information is the brain’s food, and that Silicon Valley is systematically starving us of... See more