Today's Read Contributor Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut has announced the upcoming release of his new book titled Crisis of the Common Good: The Fight for Meaning and Connection in a Broken America, which is set to hit shelves on May 26, 2026, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The book delves into the societal and cultural forces that, according to Murphy, have contributed to the erosion of community bonds and diminished the sense of collective purpose in the United States.
Murphy, known for his long-standing work in public policy and his previous book, will use this new publication to reflect on some of the most pressing issues facing American society today. The book’s central thesis is that technology, consumerism, and rampant individualism have played a major role in weakening the connections that once held communities together. These forces, he argues, have fostered a culture of disconnection, where people are increasingly isolated and detached from their fellow citizens.
The senator, who has long championed issues related to public welfare and the common good, aims to use Crisis of the Common Good as a platform to explore the consequences of these trends on American life. Drawing on a range of political history and philosophical insights, Murphy will examine how these cultural forces have shaped the country’s social fabric and weakened its sense of unity. Throughout the book, he will call for a renewed focus on shared prosperity, civic engagement, and a deeper commitment to rebuilding communal ties that transcend the individualism and consumer-driven mindset that have dominated much of modern American life.
In particular, Murphy’s book will explore how political polarization, economic inequality, and the rapid pace of technological advancement have contributed to a growing sense of fragmentation across the country. He argues that while these challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. Instead, Murphy believes that by re-emphasizing the importance of collective action, social responsibility, and community engagement, Americans can overcome these obstacles and reclaim a sense of meaning and connection.
Beyond simply offering critiques, Murphy will also propose practical solutions for addressing the crisis of community. He believes that the nation can restore a sense of purpose by fostering stronger bonds between individuals, families, and local institutions. His vision involves creating spaces where people can come together to work towards common goals, support each other, and build a more inclusive and resilient society.
The book is not just a call to action for policymakers and political leaders but for everyday Americans who may feel disconnected or disenfranchised in the face of growing societal divisions. Murphy seeks to inspire a national conversation about the importance of rebuilding the common good and emphasizes that meaningful change starts at the local level, where individuals can engage with each other and their communities in a more profound and purposeful way.
Murphy’s new book follows his previous work, The Violence Inside Us, which focused on America’s gun violence epidemic and proposed solutions for reducing mass shootings. With Crisis of the Common Good, Murphy is broadening his focus to the deeper societal issues that contribute to division and isolation in the U.S. It’s a timely and thoughtful exploration of the values that bind Americans together and the steps that can be taken to restore a sense of unity in a fractured nation.
As America grapples with ongoing challenges related to politics, social welfare, and economic justice, Murphy’s book is sure to spark important discussions about how the country can heal and move forward in a more inclusive and connected manner. With Crisis of the Common Good, he encourages Americans to reflect on the importance of community and to take responsibility for strengthening the bonds that sustain their shared way of life.
