Book Review: The Lonely Century by Noreena Hertz

 

Noreena Hertz’s book, The Lonely Century: How to Restore Human Connection in a World That’s Pulling Apart, is a powerful and eye-opening look at the growing problem of loneliness in modern society. Hertz explores how technology, work culture, and even city design have contributed to people feeling more isolated than ever before. She also provides ideas on how we can rebuild a sense of community and connection in our lives.

Three Key Insights from the Book

One of the most striking lessons from The Lonely Century is that loneliness isn’t just about feeling sad or alone—it has real consequences for our health. Hertz explains that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, increasing the risk of heart disease, depression, and even dementia. She also shows that people who feel isolated often experience higher levels of stress, making it harder for them to build relationships in the first place.

Another important takeaway is that our dependence on technology is making loneliness worse. While social media and texting make it easier to stay in touch, Hertz argues that these digital interactions often replace deeper, more meaningful conversations. She explains that people who spend more time online tend to feel lonelier, not less. Instead of truly connecting, many of us are stuck in surface-level interactions that don’t provide real emotional support.

A third key insight from the book is how workplaces and cities are designed in ways that discourage connection. Hertz points out that open office spaces, which were meant to encourage teamwork, actually make people feel more isolated because they remove personal space and create distractions. She also discusses how modern cities are built in ways that separate people, with fewer public gathering places and more time spent commuting alone. These changes have made it harder for people to form real relationships with coworkers, neighbors, and even friends.

Two Downsides of the Book

While The Lonely Century is full of fascinating research and important insights, one downside is that it can feel overwhelming. Hertz does a great job of explaining why loneliness is a growing problem, but she spends much more time discussing the issue than offering solutions. Readers looking for clear, practical steps to combat loneliness might find themselves wishing for more direct advice.

Another drawback is that some sections feel repetitive. Hertz includes many examples from different parts of the world to show how loneliness affects people in different ways, but sometimes the points start to feel similar. A shorter, more focused version of the book might have been just as powerful without repeating the same themes multiple times.

Final Thoughts

Overall, The Lonely Century is a thought-provoking and important book that helps readers understand why loneliness is becoming such a widespread problem. Hertz’s research-backed arguments make it clear that loneliness isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a major social problem that affects health, happiness, and even the way communities function.

Despite some repetition and a lack of clear solutions, the book is still a valuable read for anyone who wants to understand how modern life is shaping our relationships. It’s a wake-up call to be more intentional about forming real connections and to think about how society can be redesigned to bring people together instead of pushing them apart. If you’re interested in the future of human connection, The Lonely Century is a must-read.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.