The Psychology of Liberty

This book introduces a new concept of liberty, based on the idea that being free means being the humans we evolved to be in our first 200,000 years. With perspectives from psychology, anthropology, and sociology, the author shows how throughout history, dominant individuals and status hierarchies have injured our psychological and physical well-being. Readers discover simple behaviors that make humans feel free (like gossiping, playing, making, and storytelling) and are prompted to a compelling reflection threats to this freedom. Psychology of Liberty: Reclaiming Everyday Freedom explores the dynamics of creative families, communities, and societies, showing how they sustain human freedom. The author identifies new pathways to freedom, drawing from examples of resistance to authoritarianism. In this timely and ambitious book, the author combines personal narrative with academic research to make complex ideas accessible.