An exploration of the power of belonging in an age of social isolation, drawing on lessons from innovative leaders, individuals, and organizations to show how we can create lives and communities centered on human connection

In an age of social isolation, what does it mean to belong? Humanity is at an inflection point. Stress, disconnection, and increasing environmental degradation have people yearning for more than just material progress, personal freedom, or political stability. We are searching for deeper connection. We are longing to belong. On Belonging is an exploration of the crisis of social isolation and of the fundamental human need to belong. It considers belonging across four core dimensions: in our relationships with other people, in our rootedness in nature, in our ability to influence political and economic decision-making, and in our finding of meaning and purpose in our lives, with lessons on how to create communities centered on human connection.  A trailblazing advocate and thought leader on questions of social connectedness, Kim Samuel introduces readers to leaders around the world who are doing the work to cultivate belonging. Whether through sports, medicine, music, business, culture, or advocacy, the people and programs in this book offer us meaningful lessons on building a world where we all feel at home.

"“Samuel . . . debuts with an innovative program for fostering community . . . The author’s interviews with a diverse roster of interlocutors . . . offer captivating profiles of what connection and community look like in action and effectively model the kind of cross-cultural relationships she encourages readers to develop. This compassionate journalistic treatise on building more inclusive communities hits the mark.”" - Publishers Weekly

"“On Belonging comes at the perfect time, when so many feel adrift and alone. Kim Samuel traveled the world to study the human need to belong and why so many don’t. Drawing on a stunning array of conversations, Samuel has written an important book that shows a path to a more connected future.”" - Pulitzer Prize winner and Washington Post correspondent

"“On Belonging is a roadmap for escaping the isolation that has become so prevalent today. Kim Samuel shows the value of belonging and positions it at the center of nearly every facet of human life, from education to psychology, from caregiving to urban planning. This is an important book, both for describing a problem that is fundamental yet often neglected, and for proposing meaningful and effective solutions.”" - executive director of Human Rights Watch

"“With heart and soul, Kim Samuel makes the compelling case for a vision of human progress that’s both new and ancient. Our true well-being depends not on our wealth or technological sophistication but, rather, on our degree of shared belonging. Through powerful storytelling and analysis, this book helps us turn our focus to what really matters. On Belonging is an important book for the times in which we’re living.”" - professor of anthropology, University of British Columbia

"“Kim Samuel has dedicated her entire life to ending isolation. Now with her lucidly written new book, On Belonging, she is showing the world that the keys to happiness are not ego-driven isolation or artificially imposed divisions, but mutuality, reciprocity, and relationships. On Belonging is a book urgently needed to heal the wounds caused by isolation and separation. Either we swim together or we sink together. Kim Samuel’s voice is a voice of wisdom, love, and compassion, and this is one of the most important and timely books of the year.”" - Resurgence & Ecologist