At our online meeting on April 6, 2020, longtime member Tom Ranken reviewed the book “Bowling Alone” by Robert D Putnam, Professor of Public Policy of Harvard. Written 20 years ago, the book deals with the decline of social organizations in US society. A compelling and challenging book, the author argues that the infrastructure for social interaction has been devastated in the last fifty years (including Rotary Clubs). He discusses the reasons why, then makes a very persuasive case that this has done enormous harm. An update of the book is due this year. The themes discussed were stimulating and challenging. Here’s a link the PowerPoint presentation : Bowling Alone.
