Chasing We-ness: Cultivating Empathy and Leadership in a Polarized World

Chasing We-ness examines how social media, AI, new leadership styles, and other modern developments affect our sense of we-ness and how we can build it in healthy and destructive ways. It proposes essential life skills to empower us, reduce social divisions, strengthen the social fabric, and uplift our spirits as global citizens.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2023
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Chasing We-ness: Navigating the Modern World's Quest for Belonging and Purpose

In a world that is increasingly polarized, we are constantly seeking a sense of belonging and purpose. Social media, AI, new leadership styles, and other modern developments have had a profound impact on our sense of we-ness, shaping both progressive and conservative social movements that foster a sense of community.

William Marsiglio, a leading sociologist, explores the motivational forces that inspire a sense of group belonging in intimate groups, civic organizations, thought communities, sports and leisure activities, and work. He argues that we-ness is essential for our well-being and that it can be cultivated through mindfulness, empathy, altruism, and leadership.

Chasing We-ness proposes essential life skills to empower us, reduce social divisions, strengthen the social fabric, and uplift our spirits as global citizens. It highlights the importance of promoting initiatives that cultivate mindfulness, empathy, altruism, and leadership, and encourages us to embrace our individuality while also working towards a more inclusive and just society.

One of the key themes of Chasing We-ness is the impact of social media on our sense of we-ness. Marsiglio argues that social media has created a sense of isolation and loneliness, as we are constantly comparing ourselves to others and seeking validation through likes and comments. However, social media can also be a powerful tool for building community and promoting social justice.

Marsiglio suggests that we should use social media to connect with others who share our values and interests, and to engage in meaningful conversations that can help us to understand each other better. He also encourages us to be mindful of the content we share on social media, and to avoid spreading hate or misinformation.

AI is another modern development that has had a significant impact on our sense of we-ness. Marsiglio argues that AI can be used to automate tasks and improve efficiency, but it can also be used to monitor and control individuals. He suggests that we should be cautious about the use of AI and that we should ensure that it is used in a way that promotes human rights and dignity.

New leadership styles have also had a significant impact on our sense of we-ness. Marsiglio argues that traditional leadership styles that emphasize hierarchy and control can be ineffective in today's world, and that we should instead focus on leadership styles that promote collaboration and empowerment. He suggests that we should be open to feedback and that we should be willing to take risks in order to achieve our goals.

In addition to social media, AI, and new leadership styles, Chasing We-ness also explores the impact of other modern developments on our sense of we-ness. These include the rise of populism, the decline of traditional institutions, and the increasing complexity of the world.

Marsiglio argues that populism can be a dangerous force that promotes hate and division, and that we should work to promote a more inclusive and just society. He suggests that we should be open to dialogue and that we should be willing to compromise in order to achieve our goals.

The decline of traditional institutions can also be a challenge for our sense of we-ness. Marsiglio argues that traditional institutions such as the family, the church, and the government have been weakened by globalization and that we should work to rebuild them. He suggests that we should be open to new ideas and that we should be willing to work together to achieve our goals.

The increasing complexity of the world can also be a challenge for our sense of we-ness. Marsiglio argues that we need to be able to adapt to changing circumstances and that we need to be able to work together to achieve our goals. He suggests that we should be open to learning and that we should be willing to take risks in order to achieve our goals.

In conclusion, Chasing We-ness is a fascinating book that explores the motivational forces that inspire a sense of group belonging in intimate groups, civic organizations, thought communities, sports and leisure activities, and work. It highlights the importance of promoting initiatives that cultivate mindfulness, empathy, altruism, and leadership, and encourages us to embrace our individuality while also working towards a more inclusive and just society. Whether you are a student, a professional, or a member of the general public, Chasing We-ness is a book that will inspire you to think differently about the world and to take action to make a positive difference.

Weight: 780g
Dimension: 234 x 160 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487544775