Loneliness

Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection

By: John T. Cacioppo, William Patrick

Narrated by: Dick Hill

John T. Cacioppo's groundbreaking research topples one of the pillars of modern medicine and psychology: the focus on the individual as the unit of inquiry. By employing brain scans, monitoring blood pressure, and analyzing immune function, he demonstrates the overpowering influence of social context - a factor so strong that it can alter DNA replication. He defines an unrecognized syndrome, chronic loneliness; brings it out of the shadow of its cousin, depression; and shows how this subjective sense of social isolation uniquely disrupts our perceptions, behavior, and physiology, becoming a trap that not only reinforces isolation but can also lead to early death. He gives the lie to the Hobbesian view of human nature as a "war of all against all," and he shows how social cooperation is, in fact, humanity's defining characteristic. Most important, he shows how we can break the trap of isolation for our benefit both as individuals and as a society.©2008 John T. Cacioppo and William Patrick (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Top-notch science writing: stimulating and useful information conveyed in accessible prose." ( Kirkus)

Reader sounds lonely

Very slow narrative pace was painful until I sped it up to 1.75x normal.

Humans have always been social animals

In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are all hurting from being isolated from each other. Do you wonder why? Do you want to do something about it? This book gives you a lot of information on how we as humans need to reach out to make those social connections all of us need.

important to read, but the reading is very dry

The information is amazing and useful.
The presentation sucks horrendously.
Will read / listen to again based on the value of the information provided.

Insightful

The book had some interesting knowledge and reports on studies regarding loneliness. There wasn’t much “here’s how to overcome loneliness” other than comprehending what they were reporting in the research and utilizing the findings to make changes. It was a little odd in that they described qualities that help fight against loneliness (such as warmth and empathy) and then stayed coldly scientific. A book on loneliness is not going to help combat loneliness but it seemed a little odd they only include anecdotes of loneliness without including anecdotes of comfort and belonging. The book spent what seemed like a long time/portion talking about evolution and different studies regarding animals. Some of it was helpful. However it felt a little redundant. Near the end they speak about social media and this is where they book shows its age. They spoke about people interacting through the media though they noted it would likely not be as beneficial as in person. There have been many studies to come out since publication noting social media’s negative effects on loneliness and this wasn’t touched on at all.

Great information!

I love the author’s research and find that this information pertains to everyone. It’s even more do now in the middle of a global pandemic that has separated individuals and caused people to seek ways to connect.