Habits of the Heart

By Robert N. Bellah,

Book cover of Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life

Book description

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…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked Habits of the Heart as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The idea of citizenship is vague and can be complicated. Sometimes it refers to a person recognized as a natural-born or naturalized denizen of a nation, sometimes the right to cast a ballot, sometimes law-abiding behavior, sometimes civic engagement, and, too seldom, engaging in public work. Bellah and his associates conducted a series of interviews with ordinary citizens across the US to ascertain their understanding and values with respect to private and public (citizenly) life.

Overwhelmingly, those interviewed (mostly white, middle-class Americans) attached great value to their private lives, while acknowledging the importance of civic participation. They commonly expressed a…

Want books like Habits of the Heart?

Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Habits of the Heart.

Browse books like Habits of the Heart

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in individualism, civilization, and democracy?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about individualism, civilization, and democracy.

Individualism Explore 29 books about individualism
Civilization Explore 209 books about civilization
Democracy Explore 104 books about democracy