Them

Something is wrong. We all know it. American life expectancy is declining for a third straight year. Birth rates are dropping. Nearly half of us think the other political party isnt just wrong; theyre evil. Were the richest country in history, but weve never been more pessimistic. Whats causing the despair? In Them, bestselling author and U.S. senator Ben Sasse argues that our crisis isnt really about politics. Its that were so lonely we cant see straight - and it bubbles out as anger. Local communities are collapsing. Across the nation, little leagues are disappearing, Rotary clubs are dwindling, and in all likelihood, we dont know the neighbour two doors down. Work isnt what wed hoped: less certainty, few lifelong coworkers, shallow purpose. Stable families and enduring friendships - lifes fundamental pillars - are in statistical freefall. As traditional tribes of place evaporate, we rally against common enemies so we can feel part of a team. No institutions command widespread public trust, enabling foreign intelligence agencies to use technology to pick the scabs on our toxic divisions. Were in danger of half of us believing different facts than the other half, and the digital revolution throws gas on the fire. Theres a path forward - but reversing our decline requires something radical: a rediscovery of real places and human-to-human relationships. Even as technology nudges us to become rootless, Sasse shows how only a recovery of rootedness can heal our lonely souls. America wants you to be happy, but more urgently, America needs you to love your neighbour and connect with your community. Fixing what's wrong with the country depends on it.