How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen

Brooks discusses the societal crisis of disconnection and the impact it has on individual well-being. He describes a prevailing epidemic of blindness, emphasizing the breakdown of genuine connections in a culture marred by political animosities, technological dehumanization, and social fragmentation. Brooks cites alarming statistics on rising depression rates, suicide, and loneliness to highlight the extent of isolation experienced by individuals in contemporary society. He explores how social disconnection warps the mind by promoting suspicion, self-loathing, and a lack of emotional support. The chapter addresses the detrimental effects of loneliness on mental health, as well as the rise of meanness and hostility in society.

Moreover, Brooks identifies a vicious cycle where loneliness begets meanness and contributes to a crisis of distrust. He points out that the decline in social trust is reflected in rising hate crimes, declining charitable giving, and increased instances of rude behavior. The author connects this breakdown to the politics of recognition, where individuals, feeling unseen and disrespected, turn to political ideologies for identity and belonging. However, he argues that politics, in its current divisive form, fails to provide genuine community and connection, serving as outer agitation rather than inner formation. Brooks contends that the politics of recognition exacerbates societal fragmentation rather than addressing the underlying issues of isolation and moral meaninglessness.