Book · 2018 · Social Science
Palaces for the People
How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life
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My friend, Eric Kleinberg has written a great book about, you know, I think they're called it's called Palaces for the People about, you know, the all the different functions that libraries have played.
The best things said about it
Palaces for the people, Eric Kleinenberg's beautiful book about how libraries serve as this, you know, really important social third space.
The NYU sociologist, Eric Kleinenberg, he wrote a book called Palaces for the People. You think about old public libraries, YMCAs, things like that.
Stephen Dubner Freakonomics Radio · Jan 2023 Where and when it comes up
Most episodes, by podcast
Why people recommend it
Palaces for the People by Eric Klinenberg is an exploration of social infrastructure and the vital role that public spaces play in fostering community resilience. On The Ezra Klein Show, Pria Parker recommended the book, praising its beautiful perspective on how libraries function as essential social third spaces. Dwarkesh Patel also recommended the work on Dwarkesh Podcast, discussing the numerous functions public libraries serve within modern society. Stephen Dubner brought up the book across multiple episodes of Freakonomics Radio, citing the NYU sociologist's research while examining public gathering places like old public libraries and YMCAs, as well as broader investments in public and subsidized housing to combat loneliness. Across these programs, speakers underscored the importance of physical infrastructure in building social capital, encouraging civic engagement, and mitigating isolation. The book offers a compelling argument that the health of a democracy is deeply intertwined with the quality and accessibility of its shared public spaces. Podcasters frequently return to these insights when discussing urban planning, community building, and the psychological impacts of modern social isolation.
Every mention
Dwarkesh Patel My friend, Eric Kleinberg has written a great book about, you know, I think they're called it's called Pala… 1
“My friend, Eric Kleinberg has written a great book about, you know, I think they're called it's called Palaces for the People about, you know, the all the different functions that libraries have played.”
Stephen Dubner The NYU sociologist, Eric Kleinenberg, he wrote a book called Palaces for the People. You think about old p… 2
“The NYU sociologist, Eric Kleinenberg, he wrote a book called Palaces for the People. You think about old public libraries, YMCAs, things like that.”
“this is the idea kleinenberg plays with in his latest book called palaces for the people but also the real investment in public housing and subsidized housing”
Mentioned on the show without a named speaker1
“Palaces for the people, Eric Kleinenberg's beautiful book about how libraries serve as this, you know, really important social third space.”