Habits of the Heart, Updated Edition

Individualism and Commitment in American Life

By: Robert N. Bellah, Richard Madsen, William M. Sullivan, Ann Swidler, Steven M. Tipton

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

First published in 1985, Habits of the Heart continues to be one of the most discussed interpretations of modern American society, a quest for a democratic community that draws on our diverse civic and religious traditions. In a new preface, the authors relate the arguments of the book both to the current realities of American society and to the growing debate about the country's future. With this new edition, one of the most influential books of recent times takes on a new immediacy.

©1985, 2007, 2019 Robert N. Bellah, Richard Madsen, William M. Sullivan , and Ann Swidler (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Flawed analysis but important book

While the authors have written an important book, it is steeped in their own political and economic bias. The chief distortion is the common liberal perspective that poverty must be addressed primarily, if not solely, by government systems. Private charity works. It is a mistake on the part of the authors to fall into the view that private charity cannot address poverty.

well-done condescension

I am troubled by this book, but it is important. The quality of the performance is high, but the placid, saccharine, and school-marmy tone of the reading only heightens the effect of what is, i now believe, a deeply condescending book

Heavily biased without data

Disappointingly biased on every front from obviously excluded context to generalize a counter view to insane assertions of “correctness” for the authors view without data. Read Tom Sowell instead- at least he will have data and not anecdotes.