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Many powerful works of art across various media—movies, plays and novels—grapple with one of the key challenges of our time: the decline of the traditional pillars of identity, meaning and happiness, such as our bonds with nature, family, friends, community, history, ritual, tradition, spirituality and the arts. These works explore how the erosion of these connections leads to feelings of alienation, isolation and a loss of purpose in modern life.
Milan Kundera’s 1984 novel, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, dives into the existential struggles of its characters as they grapple with the weight—or lightness—of existence in a world where traditional values and structures have broken down. Their relationships, search for meaning and alienation from history, ritual and tradition reveal how modern life leaves individuals adrift and lacking deeper purpose.
August Wilson’s 1985 play, Fences, explores familial dysfunction and the generational impact of racism in a fragmented society. The play portrays a man estranged from his community, traditions and even his own son, symbolizing the breakdown of older connections to family and society. It speaks to how oppressive social structures, along with modern life, erode identity and meaningful relationships.
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In the 1999 movie American Beauty, the disintegration of family, community and personal fulfillment in suburban America is depicted through the protagonist’s struggle for personal liberation. The film paints a stark picture of how consumerism, careerism and the breakdown of meaningful relationships can lead to a hollow sense of identity and deep dissatisfaction.
Jon Krakauer’s 2007 nonfiction book, Into the Wild, tells the story of Christopher McCandless, who abandons modern society in pursuit of meaning and freedom in the natural world. His journey reflects a yearning for deeper connection with nature and a rejection of materialism and societal pressures, critiquing how modern life has estranged people from both nature and authentic human connection.
These works powerfully comment on the ways in which modern life—through consumerism, technological advancement, careerism and hyperindividualism—has eroded the essential pillars that once provided meaning and happiness. The common themes that emerge include:
- Alienation and isolation: Characters are estranged from family, community or tradition, emphasizing the loneliness that arises when these connections are lost.
- Disconnection from nature and spirituality: Several characters seek solace in nature or spirituality as a way to reclaim lost purpose and belonging.
- The loss of ritual and tradition: These works highlight the breakdown of family rituals and traditions, showing how this loss leads to personal and societal disintegration.
Collectively, these works suggest that when society loses its traditional sources of meaning—family, community, nature and spirituality—people suffer profound psychological and emotional consequences. The loss of these pillars results in disconnection, alienation and existential despair. Yet, while these works critique modern life, they also invite reflection on how to reclaim these essential connections, offering a path toward more fulfilling, balanced lives.
The connections that once gave life deep meaning and purpose are fraying. Ted Gioia, a music historian and cultural critic, argues that the pillars of personal happiness are deteriorating due to more than just digital distractions and rampant consumerism. He points to secularization, hyperindividualism and an overwhelming focus on work as deeper societal trends contributing to this erosion. These trends have led to the weakening of key values that once supported a fulfilling life.
As these connections break down, values like love, intimacy, trust, empathy and forgiveness—qualities that cannot be replaced by the digital world—are slowly slipping away. The digital age, while promising connection, often facilitates isolation, with relationships becoming more superficial and less emotionally nourishing.
Hyperindividualism fosters a self-centered approach to life, while secularization has diminished the role of shared spiritual or communal frameworks that once bonded individuals together.
In addition, the increased focus on work as a core identity and life’s primary pursuit has left little room for cultivating relationships, creative expression or reflective thought.
Despite these disturbing trends, this erosion is not inevitable. Reversing the decline of these vital pillars requires intentional efforts and conscious changes. Colleges, in particular, are well positioned to play a pivotal role in addressing these losses. As places of both learning and self-discovery, they can create environments that promote discussions about these fading connections. By offering courses, community-building activities and reflective spaces, institutions can provide students with the tools to create a more meaningful and connected life.
Educational programs could encourage students to reconnect with nature, rediscover the value of interpersonal relationships, explore the rich depth of the arts and engage with spiritual and historical traditions. Through this, colleges can help students build a more holistic foundation for happiness—one that values connection and purpose over material success and digital immersion.
By prioritizing these pillars, colleges can foster resilience, empathy and a sense of belonging in students, preparing them not only for successful careers but also for meaningful lives.
The disintegration of traditional pillars of meaning and happiness—such as our connections with nature, family, friends, community, history and spirituality—has been influenced by a complex array of societal forces. These forces go far beyond digital distractions and consumerism and include secularization, hyperindividualism and a growing preoccupation with work. As these connections weaken, values like love, intimacy, trust, empathy and forgiveness, which are central to a fulfilling life and cannot be provided by digital engagement, slip away.
The Problem of Digital Disconnection
In a paradoxical twist, while we are more digitally connected than ever, many people report feeling profoundly disconnected from those around them. Social media and digital platforms, meant to bring people together, tend to erode face-to-face interactions and real-world relationships. Studies have shown that heavy use of social media is associated with increased feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Instead of fostering genuine relationships, these platforms encourage superficial interactions centered on gaining attention and validation through metrics like likes and shares. Consequently, meaningful bonds that foster empathy, trust and shared purpose are often replaced by fleeting virtual connections, leaving individuals feeling emotionally and socially fragmented.
Consumerism and the Decline of Fulfillment
Consumerism plays a major role in the erosion of life’s traditional pillars. Modern society promotes the idea that happiness can be achieved through material goods, status symbols and external validation. However, this focus on consumption distracts people from more meaningful pursuits, such as cultivating deep personal relationships, connecting with nature or finding purpose in spirituality or the arts.
Instead of encouraging personal growth or community engagement, consumer culture traps people in a cycle of endless consumption, ultimately leaving them unfulfilled. The pursuit of material goods diverts attention from introspection, creativity and the authentic human connections that form the bedrock of a fulfilling life.
Secularization and the Loss of Spiritual Anchors
Historically, religious and spiritual communities provided a shared sense of meaning and collective purpose. These institutions offered a space for reflection, connection and the pursuit of higher values beyond the material world. However, the rise of secularization has diminished the influence of traditional religious practices and institutions.
This decline has left many people without the shared rituals, moral frameworks and communal support that once grounded their sense of identity and belonging. The weakening of spiritual anchors has made it harder for individuals to cultivate values like empathy, compassion and forgiveness, which flourish in environments that emphasize interconnectedness and collective purpose.
The Preoccupation With Work and Productivity
In today’s society, work has become the central source of identity and meaning for many people, with job titles often defining one’s sense of self. The relentless focus on productivity has blurred the lines between personal time and work, leaving little room for personal connections or engagement in non-work-related activities, such as art, community service or leisure.
The glorification of work fosters competition rather than collaboration, further eroding trust and empathy in both professional and personal spheres. As work becomes all-consuming, other sources of meaning—such as hobbies, family and community involvement—are neglected, weakening the foundations of a balanced, meaningful life.
The Decline of Leisure and Community Ties
Leisure, once a cornerstone of life, has been increasingly marginalized as work hours rise and the boundaries between work and personal life blur. Hobbies, family time and participation in community activities were once alternative sources of meaning and identity, but these are now overshadowed by the constant pressure to achieve professional success.
Similarly, extended family networks, once crucial for providing emotional and social support, have weakened due to geographic mobility, individualism and the rise of nuclear families. As people move for job opportunities, multigenerational living and frequent interaction with extended relatives have declined, further isolating individuals from their broader family structures.
Hyperindividualism and the Breakdown of Community
Hyperindividualism, the cultural emphasis on personal autonomy and self-sufficiency, has eroded the sense of collective responsibility and social bonds that once characterized communities. While personal autonomy is valuable, the overemphasis on individual achievement and self-reliance has weakened community structures and led to social fragmentation.
The rise of digital technology has exacerbated this trend, as it promotes superficial connections through social media while weakening the deeper, face-to-face relationships that foster trust and intimacy. This growing social isolation has been recognized as a public health crisis, with studies showing that loneliness is on the rise across many countries.
Rebuilding the Pillars of Connection
The erosion of the pillars that sustain love, intimacy, trust, empathy and forgiveness is not an inevitable byproduct of modern life. It can be countered by intentional efforts to rebuild these connections, whether through fostering community engagement, encouraging a balance between work and personal life, or reviving spiritual, artistic and communal values that nurture a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Colleges, in particular, have an important role to play by educating students about these issues, creating spaces for self-reflection and helping individuals develop a more expansive and connected sense of purpose in an increasingly fragmented world.
Arguments about the decline of traditional pillars of meaning—community, extended family, tradition and nature—are often met with an appropriate skepticism. Critics argue that what some see as loss is merely evolution, with new forms of connection emerging through technological innovation and greater personal freedom.
This tension between perspectives underscores larger debates about the costs and benefits of modernization, technological advances and societal change. Critics claim that while traditional forms of connection (such as church participation or neighborhood gatherings) may be waning, alternative communities are flourishing. Online platforms, for example, provide new avenues for support, socialization and activism. People can now connect across geographical divides, maintaining relationships through social media or forming niche online communities that cater to specific interests, hobbies or causes.
Some scholars, like Zygmunt Bauman in his concept of “liquid modernity,” argue that the breakdown of rigid social structures, like the extended family or institutional religion, offers more individual autonomy and flexibility in forming one’s identity. People now have more freedom to choose how they connect, reinvent themselves and form meaningful relationships, albeit in less traditional formats. This shift away from long-standing institutions does not necessarily mean disconnection but the emergence of more personalized, fluid forms of identity and belonging.
Regarding the arts, while traditional mediums might not dominate as they once did, platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok have democratized creative expression. Critics highlight that these platforms allow millions to engage with artistic production in ways previously limited to formal institutions. While some of this digital content may be superficial, these outlets provide unprecedented opportunities for creative participation, challenging the notion that connection with the arts has declined entirely.
Similarly, while institutional religion and civic participation have weakened, alternative forms of spirituality and civic engagement are rising. Mindfulness, meditation and holistic practices provide spiritual fulfillment for many, outside of formal religious settings. Younger generations are also increasingly involved in activism, often mobilized through digital platforms. Social justice movements, environmental activism and advocacy for marginalized groups suggest that people still find ways to connect deeply with causes that matter to them, even if their engagement looks different than in the past.
In response to the argument that these traditional pillars of happiness are “under attack,” some argue that they are not eroding but evolving. Nature, for example, remains central in movements focused on environmentalism and sustainability. Family structures are changing, but this does not mean relationships are less valued; young people may delay marriage or opt for nontraditional family forms but still invest heavily in their personal connections.
In this view, the pillars of identity, meaning and happiness are not disappearing but adapting to new societal contexts. What might appear as decline is, to some, a redefinition in response to the technological, cultural and social shifts of the modern world.
Even if the argument about the loss of the traditional pillars of meaning—such as family, community and spirituality—seems overstated, it’s hard to deny that something deeper is happening in society that is contributing to widespread feelings of loneliness, isolation, anomie, alienation and disconnection. Whether it’s the disintegration of face-to-face interactions, the weakening of civic and social institutions, or the rise of a hyperindividualized culture, these underlying forces are reshaping how we connect with others and find purpose.
Let’s take one example: the decline of hobbies.
Hobbies once provided meaningful outlets for creativity, identity and social connection, but many traditional pastimes have waned in recent years. While new forms of engagement—such as digital media and gaming—have emerged, the decline of slower, skill-based hobbies represents a significant loss. These pastimes, like woodworking, knitting and gardening, offered deep personal fulfillment and allowed individuals to develop unique talents while connecting with others in meaningful ways.
Restoring an appreciation for hobbies in today’s fast-paced, digital age could help people escape the pressures of constant productivity and reconnect with their interests, creativity and communities. Hobbies are not merely pastimes; they are essential components of human culture and identity.
The concept of hobbies as we know them today developed during the Industrial Revolution when structured working hours and rising incomes allowed the middle class more discretionary time. In the 19th century, particularly during the Victorian era, hobbies like stamp collecting, bird watching and model building gained popularity. These activities were often seen as productive uses of leisure time, reflecting the Protestant work ethic, which valued even relaxation and play as forms of self-improvement.
The 20th century saw an expansion of hobbies due to technological advancements and suburban growth, leading to popular activities such as home improvement, DIY projects and crafting. These pursuits became integral to post–World War II American life, offering personal satisfaction and social connection in an era of burgeoning consumerism.
Scholarship on hobbies, including Steven M. Gelber’s Hobbies: Leisure and the Culture of Work in America, highlights how these activities reflect broader cultural shifts. Gelber argues that hobbies bridge the gap between work and play, providing a sense of accomplishment outside professional life. Hobbies have also been studied in the context of social identity, with sociologists linking them to creativity, self-expression and group affiliation. Leisure studies explore how hobbies fulfill psychological needs, offering an antidote to the pressures of modern productivity-focused societies.
However, in recent decades, traditional hobbies have declined, especially among younger generations. Digital distractions, such as social media and streaming platforms, have replaced more active, skill-based pursuits. Many now spend their leisure time consuming content rather than engaging in activities that require manual dexterity or patience.
The always-on culture of modern work, coupled with economic insecurity and student debt, has also contributed to the decline. People are more likely to prioritize side hustles or monetizable skills over hobbies that don’t generate income. Additionally, urbanization and space constraints make it harder to engage in hobbies that require physical space, such as gardening or woodworking.
Cultural shifts have further emphasized experiences, like travel and dining out, over skill-based hobbies. Many young people prefer experiences that offer instant gratification over time-consuming pursuits that require dedication and practice. This shift reflects broader trends toward consumption and away from the mastery of crafts.
As technology has made life more convenient, many manual or technical skills—such as knitting, car repair or woodworking—have declined, as people increasingly rely on mass-produced goods and services. This loss of skill-based hobbies represents a broader decline in activities that once provided deep personal fulfillment, creativity and connection with others. Reinvigorating hobbies in modern life could help people rediscover a sense of balance and meaning outside the pressures of work and digital distractions.
Colleges are uniquely positioned to address the erosion of meaning and connection in contemporary life. As spaces for intellectual exploration and personal development, they can help students reconnect with deeper values that foster a fulfilling life. By embedding discussions of societal shifts into their curricula and promoting alternative ways of finding meaning beyond careerism and digital distractions, colleges have the potential to guide students toward a more balanced, connected existence.
To address the disconnection many experience, colleges must first help students understand what has been lost over the past half century. While the gains in technological progress, diversity and personal autonomy are widely recognized, the accompanying losses—such as the breakdown of community ties, the weakening of family networks and the erosion of social capital—are often overlooked.
By introducing historical and sociological studies, such as Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone and David Riesman’s The Lonely Crowd, colleges can provide students with a broader understanding of how cultural, economic and social transformations have contributed to social isolation and fragmentation. This will allow students to reflect critically on the trade-offs of modern life and better understand the complexity of progress.
Modern culture often overemphasizes work as the primary source of identity and fulfillment, but colleges can offer students a more holistic perspective. Interdisciplinary humanities courses covering philosophy, religion, the arts and literature can help students explore identity, purpose and community beyond their professional aspirations.
By studying existentialism, religious thought and literature that focuses on human flourishing, students can learn to find meaning in relationships, creativity, nature and service to others. Service-learning programs, which integrate academic learning with community engagement, can further help students see the value of empathy and collective action in personal growth.
Beyond the classroom, colleges can actively promote ways for students to cultivate a broader sense of connection and identity. Emphasizing hobbies and creative pursuits as valuable forms of self-expression can help students build identities that are not solely tied to academic or professional achievements. Activities like music, painting, writing or gardening allow students to connect with others and find personal fulfillment outside the demands of productivity. Organizing hobby fairs, arts festivals and creative workshops can underscore the importance of these leisurely pursuits in fostering community.
Colleges can also promote mindfulness and well-being programs that encourage students to reflect on their inner lives and cultivate emotional resilience. Programs focused on meditation, nature retreats or spiritual practices offer students alternative sources of meaning, helping them disengage from the digital distractions that dominate much of modern life. Encouraging civic engagement through involvement in campus governance, local politics or community service can foster a sense of belonging to something larger than oneself.
While the benefits of technological advancement and social change are clear, colleges must help students recognize the trade-offs. The erosion of deep connections with family, nature and community is a significant challenge that should not be ignored. Understanding these losses does not require rejecting progress; rather, it demands a more balanced perspective that values relationships, creativity and reflection. Colleges can encourage students to rebuild the pillars of happiness—love, trust, empathy and connection—that technology alone cannot provide.
Colleges can play a pivotal role in restoring the values that give life meaning. By helping students recognize the erosion of essential pillars of happiness and offering them tools to cultivate deeper meaning, colleges can help their students lead more fulfilling lives. In today’s increasingly fragmented world, fostering engagement with nature, community and the arts is more critical than ever. Higher education must lead the way in shaping a generation that understands the importance of these connections and actively works to restore them. By doing so, colleges not only contribute to the personal growth of their students but also strengthen the social and civic fabric of society.