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A desire for social connection is fundamentally hardwired into our psychology, and so being deprived of it has devastating mental and physical consequences. Yet we live in a society which has become ever more fragmented and atomised.
Owen Jones
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Human beings have an inherent need for social connections, and lacking these can lead to serious consequences for both mental and physical health.

Owen Jones highlights the intrinsic human necessity for social bonds, suggesting that our psychological makeup drives us to seek connections with others. In a modern society that increasingly fractures and isolates individuals, the consequences of social deprivation can be severe, affecting both mental well-being and physical health, thus prompting a reflection on how vital our relationships are for a fulfilling life.

Themes

Social ConnectionRelationshipsIsolationPsychologyCommunity

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about mental health awareness, one might say, 'As Owen Jones pointed out, our need for social connection is hardwired, and without it, we risk severe consequences.'

More from Owen Jones

Here in Britain, black people are disproportionately targeted, arrested and imprisoned for drug offences, while organised and violent crime are granted a massive source of revenue.
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