Editorial: Volunteerism is not enough

Modern Healthcare

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New York Times columnist David Brooks’ book, The Second Mountain, documents how he moved from midlife despair to personal fulfillment by seeking out individuals and groups who are rebuilding their communities through empathy-driven community action.

There’s nothing unique about the conservative-turned-never-Trumper’s critique of an America now wallowing in tribalism, anger and despair. Decades ago, prominent sociologists like Christopher Lasch (The Culture of Narcissism) and Robert Putnam (Bowling Alone) sounded alarm bells about the long-term consequences of rampant individualism. They feared the evisceration of the institutions that brought people together would undermine democracy.