The American Paradox

Spiritual Hunger in an Age of Plenty

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book The American Paradox by Professor David G. Myers, Yale University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Professor David G. Myers ISBN: 9780300130294
Publisher: Yale University Press Publication: October 1, 2008
Imprint: Yale University Press Language: English
Author: Professor David G. Myers
ISBN: 9780300130294
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication: October 1, 2008
Imprint: Yale University Press
Language: English
For Americans entering the twenty-first century, it is the best of times and the worst of times. Material wealth is at record levels, yet disturbing social problems reflect a deep spiritual poverty. In this compelling book, well-known social psychologist David G. Myers asks how this paradox has come to be and, more important, how we can spark social renewal and dream a new American dream.

Myers explores the research on social ills from the 1960s through the 1990s and concludes that the materialism and radical individualism of this period have cost us dearly, imperiling our children, corroding general civility, and diminishing our happiness. However, in the voices of public figures and ordinary citizens he now hears a spirit of optimism. The national dialogue is shifting-away from the expansion of personal rights and toward enhancement of communal civility, away from efforts to raise self-esteem and toward attempts to arouse social responsibility, away from “whose values?” and toward “our values.” Myers analyzes in detail the research on educational and other programs that deal with social problems, explaining which seem to work and why. He then offers positive and well-reasoned advice, suggesting that a renewed social ecology for America will rest on policies that balance “me thinking” with “we thinking.”
For Americans entering the twenty-first century, it is the best of times and the worst of times. Material wealth is at record levels, yet disturbing social problems reflect a deep spiritual poverty. In this compelling book, well-known social psychologist David G. Myers asks how this paradox has come to be and, more important, how we can spark social renewal and dream a new American dream.

Myers explores the research on social ills from the 1960s through the 1990s and concludes that the materialism and radical individualism of this period have cost us dearly, imperiling our children, corroding general civility, and diminishing our happiness. However, in the voices of public figures and ordinary citizens he now hears a spirit of optimism. The national dialogue is shifting-away from the expansion of personal rights and toward enhancement of communal civility, away from efforts to raise self-esteem and toward attempts to arouse social responsibility, away from “whose values?” and toward “our values.” Myers analyzes in detail the research on educational and other programs that deal with social problems, explaining which seem to work and why. He then offers positive and well-reasoned advice, suggesting that a renewed social ecology for America will rest on policies that balance “me thinking” with “we thinking.”

More books from Yale University Press

Cover of the book The Working Woman's Pregnancy Book by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book How Democratic Is the American Constitution? by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book The Nation?s Crucible by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book Where the Gods Are by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book Wilfred Owen by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book Abandoned to Ourselves by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book The Market System: What It Is, How It Works, and What To Make of It by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book The Crisis of Islamic Civilization by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book The Bassoon by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book The Good and Evil Serpent: How a Universal Symbol Became Christianized by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book The Memoirs of Walter Bagehot by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book Hitler's Soldiers by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book Lions and Lambs by Professor David G. Myers
Cover of the book Conversions: Two Family Stories from the Reformation and Modern America by Professor David G. Myers
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy