Together by Vivek H. Murthy. Hachette. Pages 326. Rs699
Book Title: Together
Author: Vivek H. Murthy
Ranjit Powar
What is loneliness? Is it possible to be lonely in a crowd? Why do some people remain lonely? How does it affect mental and physical health? What is the role of human relationships in our lives? These are some of the simple, yet intriguing questions Dr Vivek Murthy discusses in his book ‘Together’. Technology has connected the world in many ways, yet we face phenomenal loneliness. Dr Murthy cites extensive research by scientists and doctors to suggest: “Human relationship is as essential to our wellbeing as food and water. Just as hunger and thirst are our body’s way of telling us we need to eat and drink, loneliness is the natural signal that reminds us when we need to connect...”
Human beings have a deep and abiding need to be accepted and loved for who we are. We survive as a species because of our ability to connect in social groups, facilitating co-operation, planning, safety, mating and collective parenting. This drive to connect is one of our most important survival instincts which makes us feel at home on earth. Humans instinctively crave connection with others for shared responsibility and security besides for being known, accepted and loved. An isolated individual’s system tends to go in a state of hyper vigilance, increasing alertness, stress levels and diminishing the quality of sleep. “Our sense of self is a communal construct. Without community, we struggle. It is as if we did not have oxygen to breathe.”
The author has documented real case histories and studies to explain and underline the urgent necessity for human connection, showing how community is a vital resource in moments of stress as well as joy, enhancing our quality of life and human experience. This book highlights a vital dimension to healing resources for the troubled and the unwell through simple but transformative efforts.
