I really enjoyed [b:Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression - and the Unexpected Solutions|34921573|Lost Connections Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression - and the Unexpected Solutions|Johann Hari|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1631416785l/34921573.SX50.jpg|56184854] by Johann Hari even though I had some critiques about the way it made its argument. Overall I agree with his main idea that many of the issues we have in modern life are not the problem of biology or the individual but are a reflection of the structure of our society. What he did for depression in his previous book, he does here in a work looking at our inability to focus. Though "Lost Connection" hit me harder, I think that this is a better written volume. Hari uses his experience living in Provincetown, Massachusetts for three months with no connectivity as a central experience upon which to hang his twelve arguments. Another strength of the book is that, while rooted in science, it doesn't fall into the "Science says X" trap that I felt like "Lost Connections" feel into.

Some of the arguments he makes here feel like common sense while others are surprising. A lot has been written about the role of technology on our ability to pay attention but Hari also looks at nutrition, pollution, and sleep as causes of our lack of focus. The strongest sections detail the importance of mind wandering and the need for children to play. The main thrust that Hari attempts to articulate is that this problem is complex and cannot be attributed to a single cause. In fact, comes from larger structural problems within society that will need equally complex solutions. I do think the book falls short on the solutions part but perhaps this could be attributed to the fact that in order to break these structures, we need to really expand our imagination to think beyond the way our society has operated for so long.