Rugged Individualism: The Root of America’s Loneliness Epidemic
The truth is, we need each other. The problem is, we don’t like to admit it.
The Lone Ranger. The Marlboro Man. John Wayne. Clint Eastwood.
These are just a few classic characters supporting America’s saga of rugged individualism — the story of heroic loners who suck it up, take care of business, and ride off into the sunset, with only their horse for company. And they like it that way.
While the tale is compelling, the reality is far less romantic: Loneliness can be fatal. Last year, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared it a national epidemic, saying the toll it takes on Americans is as deadly as smoking. “Millions of people are struggling in the shadows,” he said, “and that’s not right.”
Our fixation on going it alone has created a virtual epidemic of isolation. It’s damaging not only to our physical health, but also to the health of our nation — poisoning the very air we breathe with division and distrust.
To clear the air, experts in medicine, mental health, political science, and more have generated reams of possible solutions. But addressing the issue isn’t that easy. We need to understand how we got here in the first place.
