The Life We're Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World

The author of "The Tech-Wise Family" explores how we traded lives of rich relationships for a world of impersonal power and offers ways to restore true community and put people first.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: John Murray Press

A captivating and thought-provoking book, "The Life We're Looking For" delves into the profound shift we have witnessed over the past century, where our greatest longing has been replaced by the convenience of technology. We have yearned for power that doesn't rely on relationships, akin to the "magic" of the premodern world, and abundance that doesn't necessitate dependence, as Jesus referred to it as "Mammon." However, even before the pandemic disrupted our pursuit, we found ourselves feeling threatened and disconnected: lonely, anxious, and bored amidst an overwhelming array of options, paradoxically disconnected in a world characterized by infinite connections.

In his insightful work, bestselling author and cultural critic Andy Crouch unveils the consequences of our pursuit of impersonal power and offers a path toward reclaiming genuine community and prioritizing human well-being. Drawing from examples ranging from the generosity of early Christians to the efforts of entrepreneurs working towards creating more humane technology, Crouch demonstrates how we can restore true connections and put people at the center of a world dominated by money, power, and devices.

There exists a means to escape the impersonal realm we find ourselves in, leading us to a world where knowing and being known constitute the very essence of our daily lives, our households, and our economies. In this world, our human vulnerabilities are not viewed as obstacles to be avoided but rather as the keys to unlocking our true selves and living in harmony with one another. Technology becomes a tool that serves us, enhancing our humanity rather than reducing it.

"The Life We're Looking For" serves as a timely reminder that our deepest desires lie not in the acquisition of material possessions or power but in the cultivation of meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. It encourages us to reevaluate our priorities, embrace the power of human connection, and strive for a world where technology serves as a catalyst for human flourishing rather than a hindrance.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, let us be guided by the wisdom and insights shared in this book. By embracing the values of community, empathy, and humanism, we can create a future where technology enhances our lives rather than detracts from them. Let us strive for a world where we are recognized, loved, and embedded in rich relationships with the people around us, and where our greatest need is not fulfilled by the ease of technology but by the depth of human connection.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 134 x 210 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399801768