In this, the first of a two part review on "Habits of the Heart" by Robert Bellah, Brett explores Bellah's historical account of three major traditions that flow through American history: the Biblical, the Republican, and the Individualistic. Bellah finds that even as these traditions remain influential, they have each been ripped off from a wholistic understanding of the American as an independent but engaged citizen. As America transformed from an agrarian to an industrial society, a cool and calculating self-interest ascended to create the isolated form of individualism Americans know and embrace today.

Discussion Questions: 1.) Where do you see the three traditions influencing public life today? Can you think of specific examples in both liberal and conservative circles? 2.) Why does the therapist replace the independent citizen as the ideal representative American? 3.) How do you connect the meaning of your home life and work life? Do they serve the same ultimate purpose? Why or why not?

Burt's Book Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/genericItemsPage/15X0LWXA5T9O2?type=wishlist&_encoding=UTF8