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“One of the most important books about the human condition to appear in a decade.”—Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on HappinessUniversity of Chicago social neuroscientist John T. Cacioppo unveils his pioneering research on the startling effects of loneliness: a sense of isolation or social rejection disrupts not only our thinking abilities and will power but also our immune systems, and can be as damaging as obesity or smoking. A blend of biological and social science, this book demonstrates that, as individuals and as a society, we have everything to gain, and everything to lose, in how well or how poorly we manage our need for social bonds. 12 illustrations
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More praise for Loneliness
"Cacioppo . . . is part of the school of evolutionary psychologists . . . that believes our species wouldn't have survived without a coopera tive instinct. . . . [Loneliness] argues that loneliness, like hunger, is an alarm signal that . . . [is] nature's way of telling us to rejoin the group -Jennifer Senior, New York or pay the price. " "A solid scientific look at the physical and emotional impact of loneliness." -Publishers Weekly "Cacioppo has come to the conclusion that, by compelling us to seek out our fellow humans, loneliness has played a central role in the development of society." -Stephen Pincock, Financial Times Magazine "University of Chicago professor Cacioppo . . . [gives] us a whole -Library Journal new view of the dangers of loneliness." "In carefully outlining the science behind their logic using (mostly) lay language, the authors allow the general public to appreciate the complexities of human behavior while at the same time demonstrat ing the rigors of scientific investigation." -Brent A. Mattingly, Contemporary Psychology:
American Psychological Association Review ofBooks "Based on years of research, this magnificent expose discusses the loneliness many people feel, advising them to reach out to others. Our species naturally reciprocates social gestures. " -Frans d e Waal, author o f Our Inner Ape "I never imagined that one book could explain so much about human nature. And yet this scientific exploration does not diminish
us. Instead, it exalts our simple humanity. Loneliness is a beautiful message of human connection and a beautiful book. " -Sidney Poitier, Academy Award-winning actor and author of The Measure ofa Man "After reading this book you'll never want to be lonely again-nor will you have to be. " -Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Flow
"Loneliness . . . sounds a wake-up call for those of us walking around in a state of isolation-and we are plenty." -Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune
"Loneliness presents a scientific look at the impact of loneliness and shows that we are far more intertwined and interdependent than our culture has allowed us to acknowledge. Ultimately, the book demonstrates the irrationality of our culture's intense focus on com petition and individualism at the expense of family and community." -SirReadaLot.org "Introducing relevant evidence derived from closely controlled uni versity experiments, accompanied by anthropological field observa tions and animal studies, the authors elucidate the underpinnings of human nature and behavior. . . . A superb complement to John Bowlby's Loss: Sadness and Depression . . . Highly recommended." -Lynne F. Maxwell, Library Journal .
"Just as hunger prevents us from starving and pain causes us to retreat from physical danger, the authors help us see that loneliness is a symptom of our basic need to connect. . . . This fascinating, complex, and yet highly accessible exploration reminds us that humans are inherently social creatures and that no child or adult can develop properly in the absence of strong social bonds. " -Melinda Elau, coauthor o f Secrets of the Baby Whisperer, Secrets of the