Episode · EconTalk · 2021-09-27
Books mentioned on Noreena Hertz on the Lonely Century
Author and economist Noreena Hertz of University College London talks about her book, The Lonely Century, with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Hertz blames social media and the individualist, pro-capitalism worldviews of leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan for the rise in loneliness in the developed world.
Russ Roberts discussed Lost Connections by Johann Hari, The Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand and others, and Dignity by Chris Arnade. Noreena Hertz discussed Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
-
Lost Connections
Lost Connections by Johann Hari is a profound exploration of the underlying social and psychological causes of depression and anxiety, arguing that modern distress stems largely from a loss of meaningful human connections.
Discussed“So, this episode is a pairs nicely with a recent interview we did with I did with uh Johann Hari in his book Lost Connections.”
Where to get it
-
Bowling Alone
Bowling Alone by Robert D.
Discussed“Professor Robert Putnam, of course, famously, you know, wrote um about this about 20 years ago now, I I guess. Um, so, um, bowling alone.”
Where to get it
-
The Virtue of Selfishness
The Virtue of Selfishness is a collection of essays by Ayn Rand, supplemented by contributions from C.M.
Discussed“Ayn Rand actually had a book called The Virtues of Selfishness, um, certainly Adam Smith would have had nothing to do with that idea.”
Where to get it
-
Dignity
Dignity by Chris Arnade is a photographic and journalistic portrait of ordinary Americans, non-voters, and working-class communities that explores how people find meaning outside of traditional political structures.
Discussed“We had Chris Arnade on the program. His book, Dignity, deals with some of the issues you're talking about in a more granular uh down down on the ground level.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (2) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“Her latest book is The Lonely Century, Coming Together in a World That's Pulling Apart.”
“My guest today has been Noreena Hertz. Her book is The Lonely Century.”